A reminder of just what is at stake
IMAGES of flooding have reminded people across Wales of the nation’s vulnerability to extreme weather, but individual families have experienced the loss and devastation that rising and surging waters can bring.
Tens of millions of pounds are invested every year in Wales to improve flooding and coastal defences, and it is estimated that the measures in place have prevented damage that would cost billions.
Natural Resources Wales has an interactive map that allows people to see in precise, and sometimes frightening detail, how vulnerable individual neighbourhoods are to flooding.
Recent weather has broken records and this will only add to the sense that Wales is already experiencing the consequences of climate change. Scientific assessments of the potential for radical increases in rainfall will intensify to the anxiety of people living in flood-threatened areas.
The Welsh Government, agencies, emergency services and local authorities can expect to be tested again in the near future. Wales needs to prepare for the very worst and recognise that our concept of what constitutes normal weather may need to be revised.
The trauma of recent days will give many people a greater sense of empathy and even solidarity with communities in parts of the world that are at risk of catastrophe as a result of weather changes. Just as it is in our immediate interests to minimise human contribution to global warming, it is also important we do what we can to ensure entire settlements in some of the most impoverished parts of the world are not wiped out.
If climate change is not slowed we can expect mass refugee movements as people are forced to go in search of sanctuary. If a nightmare scenario does unfold we cannot say we were not warned repeatedly by the finest scientists of our era.
In the meantime, it is essential that every source of funding to help repair homes and communities in Wales is unlocked. However, cash alone will not provide the help that is needed in every case.
People who were already feeling isolated and vulnerable may face deep distress as they seek to repair not just their dwellings but their lives. This is an opportunity for Wales to prove that its cherished values of appreciation and compassion for our neighbours has not diminished with time.
Those who feel their world is in chaos should know just how valued they are in the life of Wales.