Climate Crisis Accelerates Flooding in South-West England

In January 2026, south-west England faced severe flooding due to a series of storms, including Storm Chandra, which led to a major incident declaration in Somerset. The flooding was exacerbated by saturated soils and intense rainfall, with communities experiencing rapid water rise, prompting evacuations and emergency responses. Rebecca Horsington, chair of the Flooding on the Levels Action Group, noted the palpable stress in the community, reflecting on the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events since 2014.

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

Experts attribute the recent flooding to climate change, which has caused UK winters to become significantly wetter. Professor Hayley Fowler from Newcastle University stated that the UK is experiencing changes in winter rainfall patterns that were not expected until the 2040s, with rainfall intensity increasing by 20%. The Environment Agency reported that the additional rainfall is equivalent to three million Olympic-sized swimming pools annually, leading to heightened flood risks across the region.

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

Local authorities, including Somerset Council, are struggling to manage the increasing flood risks due to insufficient funding and resources. Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, emphasized the need for permanent high-volume pumps to manage floodwaters effectively. However, funding for flood protection remains reactive rather than proactive, with the Environment Agency reporting a 40% cut in properties expected to receive better flood protection by 2027 due to budget shortfalls.

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

Critics, including Dr. Martina Egeduševic from the University of Exeter, argue that current funding mechanisms are inadequate for maintaining flood defenses. She highlighted the need for more nature-based solutions, such as tree planting and improved drainage systems, to complement existing infrastructure. Juliet Line, a Cornwall councillor, echoed these concerns, stating that the resilience of drainage and communication systems is increasingly exposed during severe weather events.

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation and has mobilized teams to manage flood defenses and assist affected communities. Floods Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the devastation caused by flooding and noted the government's commitment to investing £10.5 billion to protect an additional 900,000 properties by 2036. However, many residents remain skeptical about the adequacy of these measures.

Environment Agency warns of ongoing flood risk in Somerset and Dorset

• “The stress and anxiety is palpable in the community. We’ve all been here before, we know what happens and it shouldn’t. But since 2014, the weather events are becoming more and more frequent and the rain just dumps now.” — Rebecca Horsington, Chair of the Flooding on the Levels Action Group

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

• “We are still funding flood protection like climate change is a future problem, but for communities in the south-west it is already here,” — Dr. Martina Egeduševic, Flooding Scientist

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

• “A month earlier the environmental audit committee of MPs had warned: “The scale of investment remains insufficient relative to overall flood risk.” — Environmental Audit Committee of MPs

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

• “It may be that in the next 50 years, perhaps in the next 20, some homes around here will have to be abandoned,” — Mike Stanton, Chair of the Somerset Rivers Authority

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk

As climate change continues to escalate, communities in south-west England face increasing flood risks. The current infrastructure and funding mechanisms are proving inadequate to address these challenges, raising concerns about the long-term viability of affected areas. The urgency for comprehensive and sustainable flood management solutions is paramount as the region grapples with the realities of a changing climate.

‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk