UK: Extreme Weather
The United Kingdom has many types of weather extremes. But
one of the weather extremes that is costing the UK billions of dollars is flooding.
The UK receives a large amount of rainfall each year. When there is an even greater
amount that usual, this leads to damages to buildings, businesses, homes, and
infrastructures. According to Milliman, “the economic cost of flooding in 2019
and 2020 was estimated to be GBP 78 million”. It is mentioned that this number
could have been as high as GBP 2.1 billion, but the UK has flood defenses in
place. Because of the large risk of flooding in the UK, there are more defenses
being put into place to protect properties in England.
Milliman also explains that flash flooding is what occurs
when there is a heavy downpour of rain. This rain comes so fast that it is on
the ground faster than most drainage systems are able to drain. Because of
this, water builds and creates flooding. It is predicted that the loss
economically and property wise from floods in the UK will increase due to increased
rains that will cause flooding in urban areas and a rise in coastlines and rivers.
There is also a projected increase in the number of severe storms because of
climate change.
Milliman states that there is a 10% chance of a catastrophic
flood taking place in England in the next 2 decades.
Reference: Extreme weather events in the United Kingdom - 2021 (milliman.com)
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