STEMMING THE FLOW – ACT NOW TO PROTECT SOUTHEND AND SOUTH ESSEX FROM RISING SEA LEVELS SAYS THE ABI

David Amess MP (Southend West) has today warned that Southend, South Essex and the east coast of England is under threat from rising sea levels and greater investment is needed now in our coastal flood defences. These are the conclusions of a report published today (7th November) by the ABI (Association of British Insurers).  A 40cm rise in sea levels could happen as soon as 2040.

Coastal flood risk – Thinking for tomorrow, acting today, assesses the threat from rising sea levels, along the east coast of England and examines the impact on Southend and South Essex. It concludes that in Southend and South Essex:
• A major storm surge could affect up to 7,500 homes and businesses. Existing flood defences would not prevent 1,500 of these being flooded, costing £86 million.
• A 40cm rise in sea levels will put extra 24,000 properties at risk of flooding. This would increase the cost of overall loses to £336 million – a rise of 290% on current likely losses.
• Within the sites at risk are a main hospital in Shoeburyness and four primary schools.
• The elderly will be particularly affected as the number living on, or moving to, the coast is well above the national average.

The report recommends:

• Investing in improved coastal defences to reduce the number of properties at risk. An extra £8billion needs to be spent over the next 25-30 years to improve coastal defences along the east coast.
• A long-term flood management strategy, which looks at funding needs 25 –30 years ahead, and regional planning taking into account likely impact of climate change in 50 and 100 years time.

David Amess, MP for Southend West said:

“This report shows that Britain needs a sustained and prolonged investment in coastal flood defences if coastal areas like Southend are to be protected from severe flood damage in the future. There is no question now that climate change is effecting our environment and we need to act now to manage it.”