The Welsh Environment department is hosting a major summit in Cardiff to discuss how Wales can best respond to the threat posed by flooding.

The summit will bring together the Welsh Government, local authorities, the Met Office, Environment Agency Wales, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, emergency services and other key partners - all of whom have an important role to play in managing flood risk in Wales and responding to flooding incidents.

The Flood Summit, which is being held to coincide with Climate Week, Britain’s biggest climate change campaign, will also highlight progress already made in improving flood risk management in Wales.

Environment Minister John Griffiths said:

“Today’s summit provides an opportunity for the Welsh Government and its key partners to take stock of progress in managing flood risk and coastal erosion and to actively consider opportunities for further improvements and joint working.

“We know our climate is changing and that as a result we are set to see, and have already seen, an increase in rainfall and storms. Flooding and coastal erosion are two of the biggest natural hazards we face and can cause damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and in severe cases, loss of life.

“What we need is early planning and preparation so we are ready to cope with the challenges ahead.”

During the summit the Minister will announce that the Welsh Government will spend £47m on flood and coastal erosion risk management in Wales during 2013/14 and will provide more detail on how this money will be prioritised and which projects will benefit.

 

John Griffiths added:

“Managing the risks associated with flooding is not an easy task, however, by working together and sharing our knowledge, expertise and resources we can vastly improve our resilience to flooding in Wales.

“This summit provides an excellent forum for us to exchange ideas and share experiences and will aid us in moving forward and ensuring we are even better equipped to manage the risk we face.”