The Environment Agency has launched new flood warning services for parts of Kent and Surrey. These came into effect at the end of 2022 for a total of 3,259 properties in 6 new flood warning areas in the counties.
The new areas have been created by targeting groups of households where during periods of flood-risk, the chances of flooding might be greater than the larger surrounding area. This will make the flood warnings they receive more targeted and enable the homeowners to take the steps they need to respond in good time.
Home and business owners will be automatically enrolled to the new flood warning service through their mobile phone network.
Emily Whittingham, an Environment Agency flood resilience engagement advisor said:
“We want to ensure that everyone has as much time as possible to prepare for flooding, and over 3,000 more properties in Kent and Surrey will now be able to receive our free flood warning service.
“We know the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.
“The climate emergency means we cannot prevent all flooding – so we’re working to make communities resilient to future flooding.”
Additional government funding has enabled the Environment Agency to invest in the latest, low-carbon technology and infrastructure needed to provide new flood warning services in Kent and Surrey and in more than 200 communities across England.
By March 2023, a total of 62,000 flood-risk properties nationally will be able to benefit from the expansion and reduce their harm from flooding, including many properties in rural and remote locations.
