Global warming puts 4m homes at risk of floods

The homes of up to four million Britons could be flooded within the next 50 years according to a new study of the likely effects of climate change, it was reported last night.

The homes of up to four million Britons could be flooded within the next 50 years according to a new study of the likely effects of climate change, it was reported last night.

Rising sea and river levels combined with the risk that flash flooding could overwhelm antiquated sewerage systems will leave large areas of the country inundated, according to the Office of Science and Technology.

Their report, Future Flooding, calls for urgent measures to control floodwater, and suggests that urban areas at risk of flooding should be abandoned to create "green corridors" to divert flood water and that coastal facilities such as oil refineries should be relocated inland.

The report, prepared by 60 experts led by the Government's chief scientist, Sir David King, predicts that many properties will become uninsurable and face a one in 10 chance of being flooded each year.