Application

This report only applies to Britain, that is, England, Scotland and Wales. It does not necessarily apply to Northern Ireland or the rest of the British Isles. Of course flooding is not confined to Britain. Between 1998 and 2002, Europe suffered over 100 major damaging floods, including the catastrophic floods along the Danube and Elbe rivers in 2002. Since 1998, floods have caused some 700 fatalities, the displacement of about half a million people and at least € 25 billion in insured economic losses .

The assets at risk of flooding can be enormous. For example, more than 10 million people live in the areas at risk of extreme floods along the Rhine, and the potential damage from floods amounts to € 165 billion. Coastal areas are also at risk of flooding. The total value of economic assets located within 500 metres of the European coastline, including beaches, agricultural land and industrial facilities, is currently estimated at € 500 to 1,000 billion .





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