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Thousands 'in denial' over floods Thousands 'in denial' over floods
(about 1 hour later)
More than half a million people in Wales are "in denial" about the risks they face from flooding, say experts.More than half a million people in Wales are "in denial" about the risks they face from flooding, say experts.
Environment Agency Wales wants more people to sign up to its flood warning service.Environment Agency Wales wants more people to sign up to its flood warning service.
The agency has produced three flooding guides on what to do before, during and after a flood" offering advice on how to protect people and property.The agency has produced three flooding guides on what to do before, during and after a flood" offering advice on how to protect people and property.
The appeal comes as part of the BBC's What If... campaign designed to help people prepare for emergencies.The appeal comes as part of the BBC's What If... campaign designed to help people prepare for emergencies.
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent causing flooding from different sources including the sea, rivers, surface water and overflowing sewers and drains, according to Environment Agency Wales.Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent causing flooding from different sources including the sea, rivers, surface water and overflowing sewers and drains, according to Environment Agency Wales.
Dealing with flooding costs more than £70m annually, as well as bringing an emotional cost for people who also face a bill for repairs and replacing property. FLOOD WARNING CODES Flood Watch: Flooding of low lying land is expected. Be aware, Be prepared, Watch out.Flood Warning: Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act Now!Severe Flood Warning: Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!All Clear Flood: Watches or warnings are no longer in force. Sources: Environment Agency WalesDealing with flooding costs more than £70m annually, as well as bringing an emotional cost for people who also face a bill for repairs and replacing property. FLOOD WARNING CODES Flood Watch: Flooding of low lying land is expected. Be aware, Be prepared, Watch out.Flood Warning: Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act Now!Severe Flood Warning: Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!All Clear Flood: Watches or warnings are no longer in force. Sources: Environment Agency Wales
More than 60,000 people in Gwynedd and the rest of north west Wales are in danger of flooding as well as up to 60,000 in south east Wales and up to 40,000 people in Powys and the south west.More than 60,000 people in Gwynedd and the rest of north west Wales are in danger of flooding as well as up to 60,000 in south east Wales and up to 40,000 people in Powys and the south west.
The agency estimates that overall more than 500,000 people in Wales live, work or travel through areas at risk of coastal or river flooding.The agency estimates that overall more than 500,000 people in Wales live, work or travel through areas at risk of coastal or river flooding.
Yet it says too few of them recognise the risk to themselves and fewer still have taken practical steps to minimised the effect of a flood or prepare a plan for escaping should the situation arise.Yet it says too few of them recognise the risk to themselves and fewer still have taken practical steps to minimised the effect of a flood or prepare a plan for escaping should the situation arise.
Andy Wall, who leads the flood forecasting team at Environment Agency Wales, said: "It's surprising that so many people take no steps whatsoever to safeguard their home against the increasing risk of flooding.Andy Wall, who leads the flood forecasting team at Environment Agency Wales, said: "It's surprising that so many people take no steps whatsoever to safeguard their home against the increasing risk of flooding.
"There are simple things that people can do to prepare for flooding and minimise the effects."There are simple things that people can do to prepare for flooding and minimise the effects.
'Storm surges''Storm surges'
"We have extended our flood warning service recently to include coastal areas which are at increased risk from a combination of high tides, storm surges and wave action."We have extended our flood warning service recently to include coastal areas which are at increased risk from a combination of high tides, storm surges and wave action.
"Some of these locations such as the north Wales coast are heavily populated and we are urging more people in these areas to sign up to our Floodline Warnings Direct service"."Some of these locations such as the north Wales coast are heavily populated and we are urging more people in these areas to sign up to our Floodline Warnings Direct service".
He added: "Many people living in flood risk areas are in denial about the risk and the dangers of flooding".He added: "Many people living in flood risk areas are in denial about the risk and the dangers of flooding".
Floodline Warnings Direct is a free service that gives advance warning of flooding to those in high risk areas by telephone, mobile, fax or pager.Floodline Warnings Direct is a free service that gives advance warning of flooding to those in high risk areas by telephone, mobile, fax or pager.
To register, people need a telephone number where flood warnings can be sent, 24 hours a day.To register, people need a telephone number where flood warnings can be sent, 24 hours a day.
The flood guides are available free 24 hours a day by calling Floodline 0845 988 1188or online at Environment Agency Wales The flood guides are available free 24 hours a day by calling Floodline 0845 988 1188or online at Environment Agency
The BBC's What If... campaign is examining a series of emergency scenarios, and offering advice and information on how to cope with them. They include flooding and bad weather, fire and chemical leaks, and pandemic and seasonal flu.The BBC's What If... campaign is examining a series of emergency scenarios, and offering advice and information on how to cope with them. They include flooding and bad weather, fire and chemical leaks, and pandemic and seasonal flu.