Give flooding same priority as terrorism

LONDON - Flood risk management should be given the same priority in Britain as terrorism and flu pandemic strategies, an independent review said on Monday.

But despite calling for urgent and better responses to flooding after last summer's disasters, review author Michael Pitt refused to blame any particular body.

His inquiry made 87 recommendations after the devastating floods, which led to more than 55,000 homes and businesses being inundated and left an insurance bill of around 3 billion pounds.

It is the latest in a line of independent and government reports which have criticised authorities' responses to the crisis that affected large parts of Britain.

Pitt, chairman of the South West Strategic Health Authority, had been asked by ministers to review the government's handling of the disaster.

His interim report, which took statements from 600 affected parties, urged the government to develop a national framework that gave flood management the same priority as terrorism and flu pandemic prevention.

"I think flood risk management should be right up there," he told reporters.

Other recommendations included households to take a more active and responsible role in making homes flood-proof, banning all non flood - resilient buildings from low-lying areas and developing better leadership between local authorities.

Pitt also noted there are no stockpiles of emergency equipment and that some members of the public refused to heed official advice.

Despite admitting that authorities had been caught by surprise, Pitt did not blame anyone for the failures.

"I think we have to blame the ... nature and the sheer volume of water," he said. "I don't think there is much point to blame any particular organisation. The report is hard hitting - it will shake up our emergency services."

Last week an Audit Commission report found the government's financial response to the floods was poorly targeted and not good value for taxpayers.

Earlier this month, an Environment Agency review said flood prevention strategies need a complete overhaul to better protect the country's infrastructure.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn welcomed the Pitt report.

"The government agrees with all the urgent recommendations and will work with all organisations involved in taking them forward as quickly as possible," he said in a statement.

Pitt's final report will be published next summer.