UK launches flood taskforce to prepare for extreme winter weather

The UK government has launched a new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce to prepare for extreme weather conditions this winter. The group, chaired by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will hold its first meeting on Wednesday to assess national preparedness.

The Met Office has warned of a “heightened potential” for wet, windy, and stormy weather during the autumn and winter months, partly driven by a strong El Niño event. The Environment Agency noted that approximately 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding, warning that saturated catchments and prolonged rain increase the likelihood of storms.

Defra Minister Emma Hardy stated that the government is taking “decisive action” to manage the intertwined threats of flood and drought. To combat these growing risks, the government has committed at least £10.5 billion through 2036 to protect critical infrastructure, businesses, and homes.