Swansea is among the cities least prepared for flash floods; expert urges residents to research flood defences

A new study has revealed the residents in the UK that are the most unprepared for flooding in their area, with Swansea being revealed as the sixth least flood ready. The data has revealed that residents in Swansea search just 72 times a month per 100,000 residents, leaving these residents at risk of their homes being unnecessarily damaged if flooding occurs.

The data revealed that those living in Glasgow had been revealed as the least concerned about flooding in the UK; it was revealed that, on average, those living in Glasgow only search 49 times a month per 100,000 residents for flood-related terms. The most searched term in Glasgow was revealed to be “flooding”, with “flood warning” being the second most searched term.  

On average, residents in the UK search for flood-related terms 179 times a month per 100,000 residents.  

The data has revealed that residents living in Glasgow are 73% less likely to Google for flood warnings and ways to protect their homes than the average citizen. Despite being hit badly by Storm Gerrit in December 2023.

Belfast has been revealed as the second least flood-prepared city in the UK. The data shows that on average, each month, residents search 54 times a month per 100,000 residents for flooding terms. Residents in Belfast were found to search for the term “flooding” the most often.  

The third city that is least concerned about flooding was revealed as East Kilbride residents were revealed to search 62 times a month on average per 100,000 residents for flood-related terms in the city. The last major flood to hit East Kilbride was in August 2021 which might be why those in East Kilbride are less concerned about the impact of floods than other parts of the UK.   

The fourth and fifth cities least prepared for flooding were revealed as Edinburgh and Liverpool. In Edinburgh, residents searched for flood-related terms on average 65 times per 100,000 monthly. However, residents living inLiverpool were revealed to search 69 times a month per 100,000 residents. 

The top ten cities least concerned about flooding

With February being confirmed as the wettest on record, more residents than ever are starting to worry about flooding and the damage it can cause to property. 

Lincoln residents were revealed as the most concerned about flooding. In Lincoln, there are 509 monthly searches related to flooding and flood warnings per 100,000 residents. The most searched term in Lincoln was ‘flood warning’. Those living in Lincoln are more likely to experience flooding as many parts of the city are below sea level, putting many homes at risk of flooding even during dryer months.  

The second most flood-ready citizens were revealed to be those living in Derby. The study shows that those residing in Derby are searching for flood-related terms 506 times a month on average per 100,000 residents. Residents in Derby survived a lot of flooding during 2023, with residents searching for the term ‘flood warning’ the most, however the second most searched flood-related term was ‘flooding near me,’  

The data showed that Worchester is the third most flood-concerned city, searching on average 455 times per 100,000 residents every month. Worchester was a victim of major floods during January 2024, and, as it is located on the River Severn, residents are sure to be fearful of flash floods and heavy rains.  

The top ten cities most worried about flooding 

A spokesperson for Howden Insurance says: “With many UK residents feeling the increased rainfall in February, some will be looking for the best way to protect their homes, such as adding flood barriers to doorways or using air brick covers to prevent water entering the home through ventilation. 

“Residents in Loughborough have already experienced many devastating floods so it is natural that they would be searching for ways to improve the flood defenses on their homes the most.  

“Those living in Glasgow would appear to be least concerned about flooding, however it is always advisable wherever you live in the UK, to know about the flood risks in your local area.”