It Takes a Flood: what is the ITV documentary about, when’s it on TV - and where in the UK is at risk of floods?

The documentary looks at the destruction caused by climate change in the UK, as one in 6 homes are now at risk of flooding
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As COP26 continues throughout the first two weeks of November, ITV is looking at how climate change affects people in the UK.

From adverse weather conditions to record high temperatures, climate change has brought a number of challenges, some of which will be looked at in ‘It Takes A Flood’.

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The one-off documentary film from Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald, takes viewers inside the homes of people seriously affected by increasingly ferocious floods hitting the UK.

So, what can we expect from the film, when is it on - and where in the UK is most affected by flooding? This is what you need to know.

What is ‘It Takes A Flood’ about?

It Takes A Flood is about the real impact of climate change in the UK, focusing on the threat and impact of floods.

In recent years, communities have been destroyed and homes swamped by flash floods and a lack of flood defences.

In October, residents of Hawick in Scotland were evacuated after flooding and flood defences were put in place (Picture: Getty Images)In October, residents of Hawick in Scotland were evacuated after flooding and flood defences were put in place (Picture: Getty Images)
In October, residents of Hawick in Scotland were evacuated after flooding and flood defences were put in place (Picture: Getty Images)
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The documentary will tell the stories of residents across the country, as they count the cost, both financial and mental, to their communities affected by flooding over the last decade.

Viewers will see mobile phone footage of storms as they take place, as well as footage of the immediate aftermath of flooding and the damages the water causes.

Where in the UK is flooding most likely?

Coastal areas and those surrounded by rivers are most likely to be affected from flash flooding and rising sea levels.

The latest statistics suggest one in six homes across the UK are now at risk of flooding.

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In England, Cornwall is particularly at risk of flooding as it sits on the sea.

Other coastal areas such as Skegness, Hull, Merseyside, Great Yarmouth, and the Kent and Sussex area are also increasingly affected.

There are also regions which experience greater degrees of rainfall, such as Yorkshire and Cumbria.

According to the Scottish Government, the worst affected areas in Scotland are Stirling, Scottish Borders, and Perth and Kinross and Moray.

Cornwall resident Penny Hammill’s home was flooded in 2019, she was airlifted from her roof when the water filled her home (Picture: Getty Images)Cornwall resident Penny Hammill’s home was flooded in 2019, she was airlifted from her roof when the water filled her home (Picture: Getty Images)
Cornwall resident Penny Hammill’s home was flooded in 2019, she was airlifted from her roof when the water filled her home (Picture: Getty Images)
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These areas have the highest proportion of residential properties exposed to river flooding, whilst surface water flooding may affect the highest proportion of residential properties in Aberdeen City, Highland and Moray, followed by Renfrewshire and Falkirk.

In Wales, Monmouthshire, Cardiff, Newport and Gwent areas are all at risk and will continue to experience flood risk warnings unless greater climate saving action is taken.

How can we prevent flooding and protect against flood damage?

In order to protect against coastal flooding, flood defences which could be put in place to prevent or lessen the degree of flooding include man-made flood defence barriers along embankments, which barricade against rising water.

Other options include planting more trees in areas where water runs downhill into river. The trees reduce the rate of water flow and therefore reduces the amount of water surging into the rivers and bursting banks.

Homes surrounded with sand bags to prevent properties from flooding in Scotland on 29 October 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)Homes surrounded with sand bags to prevent properties from flooding in Scotland on 29 October 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)
Homes surrounded with sand bags to prevent properties from flooding in Scotland on 29 October 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)
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For properties at particular risk of flooding, inflatable flood defence barriers can be purchased or, for minor flooding, sandbags placed at the door and along the outside of the property can work to reduce flooding levels.

When is ‘It Takes a Flood’ on TV?

The documentary will air on ITV at 9pm on Tuesday 2 November.

It will be available shortly afterwards to stream on the ITV Hub.

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