We all know that floods happen all the time around the world and that London could never be destroyed because of the Thames Barrier. But could it? What would happen if the unthinkable occurred?
What if a massive Atlantic weather system coincided with high tides and a storm surge?
Some weather fronts track around the North of Scotland and down into the shallower waters of the North Sea. Dangerously high water levels can occur in the Thames Estuary. The Thames Barrier was closed twice in November 2007 after storm surges in the North Sea.
Flood Director Tony Mitchell said: “Hurricane Katrina happened just after we went into pre-production. Images of how a storm surge affects a city went around the world. We were up and running and the flood became a character in its own right.”
Leading actor David Suchet said: “Floods happened in Britain in 1953 and of course more recently. There was one in the 17th Century and global warming could create these conditions. However, the Thames Barrier and other defences are in a position to protect London, so in that sense, the film is very fictional.
“Still, the power of nature is very humbling. It makes you realise that for all our knowledge and skill we are nothing against a strong wind and flood.”
A spokesman from the Environment Agency said: "The film is not based on fact. Recent modelling shows that the extreme conditions you would need to overtop the Barrier would in reality not occur.
"It is true that London is at risk of flooding but a flood like this could not happen."
What impact does flooding have?
The floods of July 2007 caused an estimated £2 billion of damage. If a flood wave were to engulf London, the cost could run into tens of billions. Tony Mitchell explains: “A lot of London is built below ground. The Underground, office basements, the House of Commons, hospitals and much more.
“The infrastructure of London would start to deteriorate very quickly and it would be a frightening time for anyone living in the city.”
If you have been affected by the scenes of flooding in these clips:
Call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188*
Open 24 hours a day
- Get practical advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.
- Find out how to get warnings in case of future flooding.
*BT calls cost up to 4p/min plus 6p set-up fee from your home every time you call.
Other providers and mobiles may vary.
Major floods:
1) In 1236 the Thames overflowed and men rowed around the great hall of the Palace of Westminster
2) It happened again in 1663 when a huge tide engulfed central London
3) Fourteen people died in the Thames flood of 1928
4) In 1953 another major storm surge flood caused the deaths of 307 people
