STORY
The Government has launched a new flood advice website to help households in England check their flood risk and prepare for severe weather. Announced on 12 October to mark the start of Flood Action Week, Flood Action Online brings together guidance on flood warnings, Met Office weather alerts and practical measures to improve the resilience of homes.
The launch accompanies a target to improve flood protection for 200,000 properties through £4.2 billion of investment between April 2026 and March 2029. Funding will support repairs and replacement of existing defences alongside new construction. The Government estimates that the programme will deliver £27.9 billion in economic benefits through avoided damage, and has set a target for 93.5% of flood defence assets to meet their required condition by March 2029.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy urged people to check their risk, prepare a flood plan and follow warnings. The announcement comes as the new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce prepares for its first meeting this week. The Environment Agency said its emergency response resources include 260 mobile pumps, 25 kilometres of temporary barriers and 600 people on call at any one time.