Government preparation for flooding should be on the same level as terrorism, independent reviewer says
Sir Michael Pitt, chairman of the South West Strategic Health Authority, has said the public should have been better prepared for the severe floods which damaged thousands of homes in England.
His interim report urges the government to take urgent action to prevent more floods. Pitt said that this meant increasing its importance: flood planning should be put "on a level somewhat similar to terrorism or pandemic flu," he said.
The BBC wrote this morning: "Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme if flooding was as serious as terrorism, Sir Michael said: "I think it is. It's obviously very different but we want the same levels of performance and reaction that we have with terrorism events."
The review looked at the lessons to be learnt from the floods and highlights a long list of failings, including:
- no national flood emergency plan
- no clear responsibility for dealing with urban flooding
- no systematic stockpiling of emergency equipment, such as boats.
Sir Michael said: "The report does not point the finger of blame. Anyone looking for that will be disappointed. "What we've tried to do is look forward and be positive about what can be done in the future."
The report will urge that the public must be better prepared for floods and act responsibly. Sir Michael said he was surprised at how little people were prepared for flooding, and urged them to get appropriate insurance and have an emergency kit in their houses, including such items as a radio, batteries, torch and rubber gloves.
The final report is due for publication next summer.
