Flash Splash!

On several days, in July 2021, more than one month's rainfall fell in a single hour in parts of London. This volume of rain produced flash flooding, creating perilous conditions in the Underground transport system, hospitals, homes etc. Major flash flood events will obviously become more common as climate change intensifies. A London Council taskforce report concludes there is a significant risk of people drowning in London in such events (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/20/london-flooding-poses-significant-risk-unless-immediate-action-taken). London's Victorian sewage system was never designed to deal with dramatic volumes of rainwater. The taskforce report notes, with concern, the lack of an overall plan or authority to tackle the increased flood threat to the city. The report says that immediate action is needed, to rule out the possibility of substantial loss of life in basement flats and other low lying places. Other major UK cities also need plans for dealing with major flash floods.