Parts of Greenwich, Lambeth and Battersea could be underwater within 10 years, new study finds

A new study has found that parts of Greenwich, Lambeth and Battersea could be regularly underwater by 2030.

Scientists have made a map revealing which parts of the capital could be submerged if flooding causes the Thames’ banks to burst.

The data shows most areas along the riverbanks will be below the annual flood level and at risk of regular flooding within ten years.

Research shows parts of South London will be among the worst affected areas, including Vauxhall, Elephant and Castle, and Camberwell.

Climate Central says its research is based on science from leading journals and the maps should be used to signpost areas that may need further investigation.

The areas shaded red are those lower than the selected water level with an unobstructed path to the sea.

Areas below the water level but seem to be protected by ridges are not shaded.

They added: “Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

“However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

“Our 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.”

Full flooding map link for London and the South East here: https://coastal.climatecentral.org/map/16/-0.0225/51.4814/?theme=sea_level_rise&map_type=year&basemap=roadmap&contiguous=true&elevation_model=best_available&forecast_year=2050&pathway=rcp45&percentile=p50&refresh=true&return_level=return_level_1&slr_model=kopp_2014