CAMPAIGNERS have called for “more to be done” to prevent flooding in Weymouth and Portland, as projections have shown large areas could be underwater by the end of the decade - including Portland Beach Road.
A new interactive map has shown the areas which could be underwater in just six years - if nothing is done to stop flooding.
Created by an independent organisation of scientists and journalists, collectively known as Climate Central, the map shows areas of the country that could be under sea level by the end of 2030.
It should be noted that these are only projections.
The map uses current projections and peer-reviewed science in leading journals. It shows how lowland areas of Weymouth and Portland are at risk of being underwater in just six years' time.
The projections, however, do not take into account various management plans and defences in place for each area.
The area most at risk is Portland Beach Road and Chesil Beach.
In Weymouth, the areas most at risk are Overcombe, areas surrounding Radipole Lake, and areas on the seafront and around the harbour.
Key attractions and sites in the town could also be affected.
Jon Orrell, Dorset Councillor for Melcombe Regis, said: "I am extremely worried about flooding in Weymouth.
"Climate chaos is real. We are moving from a time of causes to a time of consequences.
"Weymouth is low-lying. Many houses are on reclaimed mud flats. Global heating melts the Greenland and Antarctic ice. Warming oceans have more storms.
"The projections are alarming. The risks are rising. I welcome the millions already spent on the harbour wall near the Roundhouse, Custom House Quay.
"The 'levelling up' funds for the peninsula too.
"We have a local flood risk management strategy. It is sensible. It must be delivered.
"The next stages of improving the defences for the town have been developed. They urgently need to be fully funded.
"The Environment Agency is key.
"It has been decimated by cuts a decade ago.
"We need to secure delivery of the next stages of wall implementation."
Cllr Sandy West, Portland Town Councillor said she believes not enough was done in the past to protect the area, but also thinks the island would be prepared if the worst were to happen.
Cllr West said: "It does worry me.
"I have lived here for 57 years and I have noticed the increase in the way the sea comes in.
"I am 75 and I don't think enough was done to ensure future generations would not be in any danger from the sea.
"Maybe it is too late, plans should have been in place but it was taken for granted years ago.
"There is so much evidence now, with increases in science and technology and weather predictions, I think that makes us better prepared now than 20 years ago.
"I have confidence that we would prevail in any circumstances if sea levels were to rise drastically."
A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Climate change and the associated extreme weather events which may affect parts of Dorset by flooding is something we take seriously and monitor regularly.
“In 2020 we developed a long-term, sustainable flood and coastal risk management strategy for Weymouth, which sets out our approach to defending low-lying areas against flooding.
“One of the ways we can help protect Weymouth is to invest in its harbour walls.
“Work has already taken place this year on some of those walls around the harbour and the esplanade and more work is planned over the next 18 months to strengthen and repair other harbour walls, some of which are at the end of their design life.
“The Environment Agency, along with other organisations, were a partner in the production of a study to properly understand the risk to Weymouth from flooding over the next 114 years in extreme weather events.
"The study also considers what needs to be done to make sure residents and businesses can continue to work and live safely and securely in Weymouth in the future
“The results of the study were agreed and published in February this year.”
Climate Central maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers.
A spokesman for Climate Central said: “As these maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error, these maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk.”
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