In October 2023, Brechin, a picturesque Scottish town, faced a devastating flood during Storm Babet. Record rainfall, between 150 and 200mm, overwhelmed the area, causing severe damage to homes and forcing over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Even with a flood protection system designed to handle what was thought to be a once-in-200-years event, the water levels soared beyond expectations to 4.6 meters.
This disaster claimed seven lives, shattered communities, and left many wondering if they could ever return to their homes. Local councillor Jill Scott expressed deep concern about the town’s future, questioning whether anyone would want to live there again.
I took a bus from Dundee to Brechin and saw the aftermath firsthand. At the Crickety, a community hub, I met residents like Ian Stewart, who has lived on River Street for his whole life. His home was ruined, and the emptiness around him was palpable. “It’s been tiring,” he shared with a bittersweet smile, highlighting the emotional toll on people who have seen their towns change dramatically.
Grant Hutchison, manager of the Crickety, described the town as a shadow of its former self. “Brechin feels like a ghost town now,” he remarked, pointing out that the vibrant community atmosphere has faded, replaced by silence and loss.
The flood isn’t an isolated case. According to the European Environment Agency, Europe is experiencing rapid climate change, making storms and flooding more common. In 2024, it was reported that the continent faced its worst flooding in a decade, resulting in economic losses exceeding €18 billion. Communities across Europe, including central Europe and Spain, experienced extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent nature of climate-related issues.
Brechin’s flooding is symptomatic of a larger issue. New statistics show that around 6.3 million properties in England are at risk from flooding. The UK’s complex management system for flood risk often leaves residents caught in the middle, feeling abandoned and unsupported. Many towns struggle with fragmented responsibility among different government bodies, which hampers effective disaster responses.
Historically, the UK’s infrastructure has been slow to adapt to changing climate conditions. In the past, towns like Brechin may have felt secure with flood defenses in place. However, experts like Hannah Cloke, a hydrologist, warn that such defenses can be inadequate against the increasing severity of flooding. “We can’t rely on just building defenses,” she explains, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and community resilience.
Concerns about flood preparedness are echoed further south, in places like Stockport, Greater Manchester, which recently faced its own flooding crisis. Residents in areas like Meadow Mill found their homes inundated, leading to confusion over who was responsible for recovery. Local councillor Rachel Wise noted feelings of abandonment among those affected, as the council struggled to manage responses amid inadequate flood planning.
Data from the National Flood Forum shows a rising tide of “flood poverty,” where those most at-risk—often in lower-income areas—face significant challenges in recovery. Over 60% of renters in such areas lack adequate insurance, highlighting a critical gap in safety nets for vulnerable communities.
In response, towns like Rochdale have initiated community action groups to help residents navigate these crises. Shaheen Qureshi, an active member, shared her experience from severe flooding events, emphasizing community strength and support. “We never expected the river to rise so high,” she reflected, showing how past experiences shape collective resilience.
Amid these growing challenges, councils are reevaluating long-term strategies. In Brechin, there is consideration for relocating some housing away from flood-prone areas, reflecting a shift in how communities must adapt to climate realities. Decisions to raise river walls and redesign towns illustrate the urgent need for long-term thinking in managing these risks, even as costs remain a significant concern.
As climate change intensifies, communities across the UK face tough choices about living with water, rebuilding, and finding ways to protect their homes. The situation in Brechin and beyond serves as a relevant reminder: climate resilience is not just a planning issue—it’s a human issue, impacting lives, homes, and futures.
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