UK URGES VIGILANCE AS FLOOD WARNINGS REMAIN IN PLACE ACROSS ENGLAND

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The United Kingdom government has urged the public to remain vigilant as the Environment Agency continues to warn of significant flooding across England.

According to an update published Tuesday on the official government website, there are currently 64 flood warnings and 175 flood alerts in place, alongside rain and snow warnings expected to affect parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

Multiple groundwater flood warnings remain in force for Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, with the agency cautioning that groundwater levels respond slowly and may continue to cause prolonged disruption.

Environment Agency teams are working closely with local councils, water companies and emergency responders to mitigate the impact of flooding. Residents have been strongly advised to avoid driving through floodwater due to the serious safety risks involved.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy recently visited Langport in Somerset, one of the worst-affected areas in recent weeks, to assess the situation.

The agency disclosed that pumps were proactively deployed across the Somerset Levels and Moors before agreed trigger points were reached to help reduce flood risks and stabilise water levels. In Dunball, new pumps are currently removing 10 cubic metres of floodwater per second, with additional installations expected to increase capacity to 15 cubic metres per second.

Officials have also been clearing vegetation, removing river obstructions and erecting temporary flood barriers where necessary. Across the country, teams are inspecting flood defences, clearing blockages and closely monitoring river levels around the clock.

So far, approximately 340 properties are estimated to have been flooded, while more than 22,000 homes and businesses have been protected by flood defences since late January. The agency noted that figures remain subject to verification.

Ben Lukey, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, warned that another band of rain is on the way, with significant groundwater flooding impacts probable in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, and minor impacts likely in Hampshire and West Sussex. Minor groundwater flooding is also possible in Kent, East Sussex and North Yorkshire, while river flooding remains a concern on the Somerset Levels.

Hardy expressed sympathy for affected communities and reiterated government support, stating that a record £10.5 billion is being invested to protect 900,000 properties by 2036, alongside more than £100 million allocated to maintain existing flood assets.

Authorities have emphasised that as rainfall begins to ease, rivers and low-lying areas may respond slowly due to earlier downpours, potentially prolonging flood risks.

The Environment Agency has again urged residents to stay alert to local warnings and strictly avoid driving through floodwater.