Flood defence work set to start

FINANCING has been arranged to fund work on 15 flood defence projects across France.

Coastal regions will see dykes and harbours strengthened, and river banks will also be reinforced, as a conference into flooding in France heard around 17 million people are at risk.

A report has been made available that outlines the problem areas in France with plans to quickly stabilise those areas most susceptible to flooding.

Questions were asked about the preparedness of the French authorities in February 2010 when 50 people lost their lives as the western coast of France near La Rochelle was hit by a powerful storm, named Xynthia.

There were also demands for restrictions on building permits in low lying areas as many of those lost were homeowners in areas prone to flooding.