At Least 7 Dead as Storm Babet Sweeps Through the UK
The Facts
The Met Office has warned London and the South East of England to prepare for potential flooding and severe disruption, after Storm Babet battered Scotland and left seven people dead across the UK.
The Met Office’s yellow warning was issued after Scotland faced intense rainfall and severe flooding, displacing hundreds, and leaving thousands in the dark after winds nearing 70 mph (113 km/h) knocked out electricity.
The Spin
Narrative A
After a devastating February in 2020, in which storm damages exceeded £360M, the UK government introduced a £5.2B flood prevention and coastal management strategy to reduce property loss and save lives amid natural disasters. By anticipating future extreme weather, the UK has stepped up to be better prepared through investment in critical infrastructure.
Narrative B
While the UK has devised an elaborate and expensive plan to address climate change risks to its infrastructure, the nation is still playing catch up. The current national vision is shortsighted and addresses only a few critical areas. To say there is room for improvement would be an understatement — the real work begins with credible, thoughtful, and informed planning.
