[ Lack of flood strategy criticised in review ]

Britain's flood defences are inadequate to deal with inundations on the scale seen last year, largely owing to confusion over which government agencies should take responsibility, an official review will say today.

The Pitt Review criticises the lack of a coherent national strategy to prepare for floods and deal with their aftermath, and will call for the government agencies charged with flood warnings and defences - the Environment Agency, the Met Office, the Highways Agency and local authorities - to cooperate more closely.

,Sir Michael Pitthas compared the threat of damage to homes, businesses and vital infrastructure from flooding to the damage that could be caused by a flu pandemic or a terrorist attack.

Another report published in tandem with the government-ordered review today adds that more money should be spent on floods, and that it should be directed towards improvements in vital infrastructure such as electricity and water supplies, rather than higher flood walls or barriers.

David Balmforth, author of the report for the Institution of Civil Engineers, says climate change would lead to an increase in the number and severity of floods, for which companies, householders and government should prepare.

"It's impractical to pretend that you can defend against all floods but you must ensure that communities do not collapse when floods happen," he says.

This meant improving the resilience of vital infrastructure such as electricity, water and transport.

Originally published 25 June 2008 - www.ft.com