Coastal flooding in the UK
Description
In 1953 a deep depression off the coast of the UK caused a tidal surge to build up in the Atlantic. The surge caused extensive flooding along the East coast of Britain, killing 307 people and leaving 40,000 homeless. Canvey Island was hit hard due to its low-lying pre-fabricated housing. The banks of earth which defended the island were quickly breached and all 160,000 acres of Canvey Island were flooded.
Classroom Ideas
Use the clip to debate strategies to prepare for, prevent and mitigate against flooding, either along coasts or rivers. Students could divide into groups; one group could represent residents of an at risk area with another group representing tax payers whose money would be used to fund defences. Consider factors that contributed to the extent and death toll of the 1953 flood and discuss how different such an event would be today. What effect would increased levels of communication have on warning people of such an emergency? Compare responses of the time with how a LEDC would cope with a similar flood. The stories featured in the clip can be used as a reminder of the impact of such disasters and students should discuss how important personal impact is to planning for and recovering from emergencies.
Global issues
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