The sea level is likely to be ‘about a metre higher’ in around 80 years’ time, the Environment Agency (EA) has told the Isle of Wight Council.
Flooding in Ryde in 2023 followed an ‘exceptional rainfall event’ but there will be ever-increasing pressures on defences amid climate change impacts, the EA’s John O’Flynn said at County Hall last Thursday (23rd October).
The EA operations manager responded to concerns over shifting weather patterns voiced by environment and community protection committee (ECPC) vice-chair Councillor Ed Blake during a discussion on the ‘devastating’ flooding 2 years ago.
Over 100 properties were flooded in Ryde’s Monktonmead area on 25th October following Storm Babet. Addressing Mr O’Flynn, Cllr Blake said climate change was creating heavier and more localised downpours.
The Conservative group leader expressed disquiet over the level of climate change that we are seeing.
He said:
“A big factor in flooding, particularly in the Ryde area, is the tidal conditions. On that day, there were not exceptional tidal conditions at all – in fact very much far from it.
“The bulk of the rain actually came at low tide when the tide gave the opportunity for as maximum amount of water as possible to vacate the area.
Article continues below this advertisement “And the fact that this wasn’t a tidal storm…is more worrying because it shows this isn’t an exceptional circumstance at all. This is quite a commonplace, potentially, set of circumstances.
“Are you as an Environment Agency more aware of the fact that this isn’t an exceptional circumstance and if things aren’t handled better in the future, this incident will happen repeatedly?”
Mr O’Flynn answered:
“I do disagree that it wasn’t exceptional. The rainfall that we had on the evening of the 24th…was more rain than you’ve seen on the Isle of Wight for over 75 years. It genuinely was an exceptional event.
“In terms of climate change and the ever-increasing pressure on defences, you’re absolutely right. That is something we are very aware of, but we try to incorporate climate change impacts.
“For tidal schemes we recognise that in probably about 80 years…the expectation is the sea level will be about a metre higher. So, we incorporate that into designs.”
Stop building in unsafe areas then.
J.S
Sows how much the council care
80 years and they have done nothing
Lots of ways they can put up sea defence but they would rather waste millions on a useless not very floaty bridge. Get rid of half the none needed council staff and use the money saved that well have to pay and start sorting fresh water drains for a start.
And on that not island roads called to a blocked drain on belgrave road last week he looked and said don’t worry about the 10inch deep over the drain
Inept council and there contractors at it’s best
Well the EA best start dredging the rivers now then. After all they have nit been done for the past 20 years. And the flooding of Morton Common and other areas has been getting worse over the past 20 years…
I’ll be long gone by then
Why are you using a pseudonym that is already in use?
More climate crap..
well, either way, I’m sure it won’t bother you, as 100% you won’t be here in 80 years time…
The trouble is,..
with all the intellectually challenged people who are either incapable of understanding, or just don’t give a f**k (cos they wouldn’t want it to affect their tiny little lives, or they heard on social media, that it’s all fake)… if it is true,. by the time the thickos finally realise it is happening,.. I’ll be far, far, too late to do anything about it..
for you,.. no problem,..
for your kids & grandkids (if you have any) ,..it might be a different story..
(but I’m sure they won’t blame you…)