Public urged to check flood risk maps

In 1947, major rivers in the south, Midlands, East Anglia and North Yorkshire burst their banks after heavy rain swept across Britain, damaging an area equivalent to the size of Kent. By the time the floodwaters receded, the damage was estimated at £12 million - equal to around £300 million today.

Now, on the 60th anniversary of the floods, the Environment Agency is calling for people to check if they are at risk using updated flood maps.

Environment Agency chief executive Barbara Young said: "Although floods on the scale of 1947 are rare, history shows they do happen and we encourage people to look at our flood map on the Environment Agency website to find out whether you live in an area that could flood from rivers or the sea.

"If you find out you are at risk you can sign up to receive free flood warnings from our Floodline Warnings Direct service. We want everyone to understand that if you could be affected by flooding you should take action now to prepare. Have a flood plan in place so you know what needs to be done in the event of a flood."

A link to the Agency's flood map and further information is provided above/right.