Britain's flood defences after Storm Desmond: are they fit for purpose?
by Josh Halliday from on (#WYTT)
Defences are built to withstand 'certain magnitude' of water, but experts want new measures put in place
Flood defences such as those used in Cumbria were built to withstand flooding "of a certain magnitude", according to the Environment Agency - but they can be overcome in extreme storms or if they have been poorly maintained.
Defences are built to different design standards according to local needs. The 520-metre-wide Thames Barrier, for example, is London's primary flood defence.
