East London faces flood risk as climate pressures grow

East London is at increasing risk of extreme flooding, with low-lying communities facing mounting pressure from climate change, ageing infrastructure and rapid urban development.

New analysis from Dr Ravindra Jayaratne, Reader in Coastal Engineering at the University of East London (UEL), warns that without urgent action, parts of the capital could see more frequent and more damaging surface water flooding in the years ahead.

More than 1,000 London properties flooded in 2021, resulting in insurance losses of over £281 million. Today, around 13 per cent of properties in the capital are classed as being at medium or high flood risk. Boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney - much of which are built on former marshland beside the River Thames - are particularly exposed.

While major infrastructure including the Thames Barrier provides protection from large-scale tidal flooding, it cannot prevent surface water flooding caused by intense local rainfall. At the same time, much of east London’s drainage network relies on Victorian-era sewer systems designed for far lower rainfall levels than are now being recorded.

Dr Jayaratne said,

East London’s flood risk is not only increasing because of rising sea levels and more intense storms, but also because of how urbanised the city has become. Large areas of impermeable surfaces prevent water from draining naturally, which overwhelms drainage systems during heavy rainfall.

Strengthening barriers alone will not be enough. We need to integrate nature into urban design to improve resilience and protect vulnerable communities.”

Dr Jayaratne’s research, conducted in collaboration with former research assistant Maciej Pawlik - now a PhD researcher in disaster science at University College London - combines engineering innovation with social insight to strengthen urban flood resilience.

Planting suitable wetland species along riverbanks and on rooftops can delay surface water runoff by up to 90 per cent. Instead of water immediately flowing into drains, plants absorb and gradually release it, reducing pressure on sewer systems and lowering the risk of pollution spills.

Large-scale sustainable drainage schemes, such as those introduced at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, demonstrate how wetlands, reedbeds and swales can slow water flow and protect thousands of homes from flood risk. Similar approaches - including green roofs on transport infrastructure and the rewilding of urban spaces - could be expanded across east London.

The research also highlights the social dimension of flood risk. Parts of east London experience some of the highest levels of deprivation and child poverty in the UK. Limited resources can make it harder for communities to prepare for and recover from flooding, compounding existing inequalities.

“Flood risk is not just an environmental challenge,” Dr Jayaratne added. 

It is an issue of public safety, social equity and long-term urban resilience. Policymakers need robust evidence to support investment in solutions that are both effective and inclusive.”

As London’s population continues to grow and climate pressures intensify, the research underscores the need for forward-looking, evidence-based strategies that combine engineering expertise with nature-based approaches.

This work reflects the University of East London’s wider commitment to research that addresses urgent global challenges and supports the development of more sustainable, resilient cities.

Image: John Cameron on Unsplash
 

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