7m more to improve flood warnings

26 November 1998

£7m more to improve flood warnings

THE Environment Agency is to spend at least another £7 million a year in a bid to speed up and improve flood warnings across England and Wales.

The announcement comes after widespread criticism of the agencys failure to provide adequate warnings during the Easter floods and the recent widespread flooding in Wales and the neighbouring counties in England.

The money will be used to upgrade rainfall, river level and flow monitoring systems and to employ additional staff. The EA believes that should result in better flood forecasting, clearer and earlier warnings and, in some cases, targeting of people and property at risk.

There will also be a major public information campaign.