Why does Wales flood & what needs to be done about it?

Header Image via BBC Weather Watchers / Emma

Why Does Wales Flood?

Flooding is a natural phenomenon, but has got far worse due to:

Environmental Factors: The loss of natural flood defences has left Wales more vulnerable than ever. Drained peat bogs, removed hedgerows, and the destruction of salt marshes and wetlands have reduced the landscape’s ability to absorb and manage water.

Climate Change: Climate change amplifies flooding through rising sea levels, melting Arctic ice, and shifts in weather patterns, including more intense and frequent storms. The degradation of ecosystems combined with these changes has created a perfect storm of heightened flood risk.

Urbanisation: Urban development on floodplains has disrupted natural water flow, while impermeable surfaces (i.e. concrete) prevent water absorption, increasing surface water flooding. Many drainage and sewer systems in Welsh towns and cities were not designed to cope with the intensity of rainfall now being experienced due to climate change.

Channelisation: A common feature of urbanisation, it involves straightening or deepening rivers to control and speed up water flow. Although this can help reduce flood risks in the immediate location, it also increases the peak flood downstream, especially if done in lots of locations.

The Impact on Welsh Communities

Over 245,000 properties in Wales are at risk of flooding, with socially vulnerable communities, often without adequate defences, facing disproportionate impacts. These include older residents, people with disabilities, and renters in low-income areas, many of whom lack the means to prepare for or recover from floods.

Experiencing or anticipating floods leads to high levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Living or operating an independent business in flood-prone areas creates a sense of helplessness, especially when insurance premiums rise or become unattainable. The psychological burden is particularly acute for elderly and low-income residents who lack the money and resources to recover quickly.

Pontypridd (Rhondda Cynon Taf)

Image via Richard Swingler, Wales Online

In February 2020, Storm Dennis caused catastrophic flooding in Pontypridd. The River Taff burst its banks, inundating the town centre and affecting over 300 homes and businesses. Residents faced significant financial losses, with some unable to return to their homes for months.

Rhyl (Denbighshire)

Image via BBC

In December 2013, a tidal surge caused severe flooding in Rhyl, affecting over 140 homes and forcing evacuations. The aftermath included significant property damage and long-term financial and emotional strain for residents. This event underscored the vulnerability of Wales’ coastal communities to extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

Fairbourne (Gwynedd)

Image via Canva

Fairbourne is the first community in the UK designated for “managed retreat,” meaning it will eventually be abandoned as climate change intensifies.

Sea level rises, predicted to accelerate over the coming decades, have made it unsustainable to defend the village indefinitely. The decision to cease flood defence funding by 2054 has caused significant distress. House prices in the village plummeted, effectively trapping many residents who cannot sell their homes.

The community of around 700 faces uncertainty about future relocation plans, with little clarity on government support for moving. This situation has led to Fairbourne being dubbed the UK’s first “climate refugee” village, a harbinger of challenges other coastal communities may also face​.

What Needs to Be Done?

Restorating natural defences, such as wetlands, tree cover, peatlands, salt marshes, and hedges and edges would all contribute to slowing the flow of, and storing water. This would smooth the flooding curve and reduce the peak flood level downstream.

Upgrading infrastructure, such as improving flood defences, exercising nature-based urban planning, and installing resilient drainage systems, will help handle the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Better support for communities is vital, including affordable insurance and compensation, mental health services, clear and considerate relocation plans and funding and support for grassroots community resilience projects.

Last but not least, tackling the root cause, climate change.

How Can You Take Action?

Write to your MS and Councillor, urging them to support flood resilience funding, promote nature-based solutions, and prioritise policies to address climate change.

Get involved in flood resilience projects, tree planting schemes, or community emergency response initiatives in your area.

Join the Climate Cymru movement and play your part in advocating for a better, greener, fairer Wales.