Credit: RNLI/Howard Fields
Agencies are calling for an overhaul of how the UK manages the rising flood risk as floods devastate parts of Scotland and North-West England.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said that the cost of flood damage to homes and businesses in Scotland and Cumbria could exceed more than £100 million.

Between Wednesday 18 November and Friday 20 November, more than 372.4 mm of rain fell in Cumbria, resulting in collapsed bridges and thousands of people left homeless.

The heavy rain and gale-force winds have been caused by an Atlantic weather front, which has been static over Northern Ireland, Cumbria and South-West Scotland.

ABI has issued advice to people who have suffered damage flood damage including a warning not to use electricity or water supplies until the all clear has been given, do not rush to redecorate, and if necessary arrange for temporary repairs to be carried out to stop any damage getting worse.

Over 90% of the insurance market are members of ABI, and the association said that more than 1,000 claims have already been received.

Nick Starling, ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said: “Events like flooding highlight why insurance is so important. The first priority for insurers will be to ensure that every claim is dealt with as quickly as possible and they will do everything they can to help customers.”

The Prime Minister announced his support following a series of visits to the affected areas over the weekend. Gordon Brown has pledged £1m, which is in addition to the money that has already been given by the North West Development Agency.

The PM praised the work of the emergency services and said: “I have decided we will increase the amount of resources to the community. We will match the regional development agency money, to help local businesses, homeowners and tenants, making that £2m.

“We will do everything we can to support the local community in its hour of need.”

During the initial devastation last week the RNLI sent 40 crew and staff to help as part of its Flood Rescue Team. Crews were still helping until well into the weekend. 

Today (23 November) the Environment Agency said it has downgraded three of the four severe weather warnings it had in place in Cumbria, but said that more heavy rain is forecast and the River Eamont is still susceptible.

A spokesman said: “Our officers from around the country have been working around the clock to minimise flood damage. We are now assessing the damage and checking flood defences, and will be working with emergency services and local authorities to get people back into their homes as quickly as possible.”