Flood-forecast service aims to protect lives and property

Published on Monday 4 October 2010 17:18

A FLOOD-forecasting service is to be launched by the Scottish Government in an attempt to protect lives and homes from devastating water damage.

The new service, which will be up and running by March next year, will link experts from the Met Office's operations centre in Aberdeen and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (Sepa) flood forecasting team in Perth.

Daily statements will be produced for local authorities and emergency services, alerting experts to developing risks and creating an early warning system for people living in potential flood areas.

Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham yesterday announced the new partnership - which is to be co-funded by the Scottish Government, providing three quarters of the 1 million needed for the project - and Sepa. "While we cannot completely eliminate the threat of flooding, we can do our very best to prepare and minimise the impact of floods on our communities," she said.

"The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service will be a vital tool in our battle against flooding, as it will help provide the relevant authorities with better, earlier information. The improved flood forecasting information will help Sepa provide better warnings, giving communities and organisations more time to prepare for flooding and take action to protect their properties and livelihoods."

According to a report complied by the Scottish Government three years ago, the number of properties in Scotland at risk of flooding totals around 100,000 - almost 4 per cent of all properties in Scotland.

"I've seen first-hand the devastating impact that flooding can have on homes and businesses and know the importance of taking a more sustainable approach to its management," added Ms Cunningham.

James Curran, director of science and strategy at Sepa, said: "The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service will enable us to deliver better and timely information on the possibility and severity of flooding situations to key responders, like the emergency services and local authorities.

"It will also help us, through Floodline, to provide those living, working or travelling in flood risk areas with as much advance warning as possible of predicted flooding, so they can take action. It's a partnership with a real purpose, to help people."

Ms Cunningham is today due to outline the steps taken by ministers to help provide solutions to flooding across Scotland at a conference in Edinburgh.

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act, which came into force last year, outlines a sustainable approach to tackling flooding.

IN NUMBERS

99,000

Number of properties in Scotland at risk of flooding, according to a Scottish Government report three years ago

5.5%

Proportion of the Orkney Islands which is at risk of coastal flooding, the highest percentage of any local authority in Scotland

16%

Proportion of West Dunbartonshire which is at risk of fluvial flooding (caused by a river bursting its banks), the highest percentage of any local authority in Scotland