Recent storms have brought to light the substantial costs and extensive damage that can result from extreme weather events. Lincolnshire, a county significantly affected by such events, faces an estimated £45 million in repair costs following the devastation of Storm Babet and Storm Henk. With hundreds of homes flooded and communities disrupted, the urgency for effective flood management solutions, like flood defences, has never been more apparent.

The Environment Agency (EA) has allocated £16 million from its capital budget to address the damage, aiming to complete 23 repair projects by March next year. However, the timeline for the remaining repairs remains uncertain. This highlights a critical issue: without timely and adequate flood defences, the costs associated with property damage and community disruption can escalate rapidly.

Take Fiskerton, near Lincoln, for example. The breach of the banks of the River Witham caused severe flooding in this community in Fiskerton, near Lincoln. Residents had to evacuate, and the area saw further damage in February. Despite promises of completing repairs by Christmas, the EA has not given a confirmed timeline, showing the difficulties in promptly addressing extensive damage.

Councillor Colin Davie has emphasised the necessity of strategic investment in flood management. He argues that, while green technologies are crucial, they should not overshadow the immediate need to address the impacts of current weather patterns and climate change. This is a sentiment echoed by many in regions vulnerable to flooding.

Strategic investment should prioritise deployable flood defences—temporary structures that can be quickly deployed in response to flood warnings. These defences offer a flexible and cost-effective solution to protect properties and communities from sudden flooding. Deployable defences offer flexibility in responding to changing flood risks.

Source: James Turner – LDRS

1. 1. Box Wall Flood Defences: These portable barriers have a damming capability of 50cm, making them highly effective in preventing water from encroaching into properties. Their ease of deployment and removal makes them ideal for responding to sudden flood threats, offering reliable protection for homes and businesses.
   2. Flood Cubes: Water-activated flood cube barriers provide versatile and robust protection against floodwaters. When in contact with water, these cubes automatically expand to form a highly effective barrier, making them ideal for both residential and commercial use. Their ability to adapt to different flood scenarios makes them an invaluable tool in modern flood defence.
   3. Cost-Effective Protection: Deployable flood defences, such as box walls and flood cubes, are less expensive to install and maintain compared to permanent structures. Deploying these as needed can lead to savings on flood management expenses.
   4. Flexibility and Mobility: These defences can be quickly set up in response to flood warnings and dismantled when the threat passes. This flexibility allows for their use in multiple locations, maximising their utility and effectiveness.
   5. Rapid Response: In situations like those seen in Lincolnshire, where floods can cause sudden and severe damage, deployable defences can provide immediate protection. This rapid response capability is crucial in minimising property damage and ensuring the safety of residents.
   6. Adaptability to Changing Risks: As climate change progresses, flood patterns and risks are likely to change. Deployable flood defences offer the adaptability needed to respond to these changing threats, ensuring continued protection.

The EA’s current efforts to address flood damage are commendable, but as Councillor Davie points out, a more substantial and strategic focus on flood management is essential. Investing in deployable flood defences like box wall flood defences and flood cubes can significantly reduce the economic impact of floods and protect communities more effectively.

While Lincolnshire waits for the completion of its repair projects, the broader lesson is clear: proactive investment in adaptable, deployable flood defences is a crucial component of modern flood management strategies. By prioritising these measures, we can better safeguard our communities, reduce repair costs, and enhance resilience against the increasing threats posed by extreme weather events.