On 5 December 2013, Hull was submerged by a tidal surge, the like of unseen since 1953.
Over 250 properties and many roads were flooded and impacted areas stretched from the North Sea to the Humber, with significant damage suffered in many communities.
Now, a decade on, over £42 million has been invested in tidal flood defences within Hull as part of a wider programme of investment in the Humber.
The incident saw a major emergency response, with Hull City Council working in conjunction with multi-agency partners and volunteers to support communities and businesses, deploying emergency equipment and coordinating the response throughout the area.
In the aftermath of the flooding, the council and its partners, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Environment Agency, have worked together to improve infrastructure and build community resilience across East Yorkshire.
In order to protect the area from flooding, the Humber Hull Frontages scheme was completed in autumn 2021 and is part of the long-term flood defences in Hull.
Last month, the Humber Hull Frontages received the notable accolade of winning the successful economy category at the National Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Excellence in Planning Awards.
Partnerships continue with the Environment Agency and 11 Local Authorities in the Humber catchment to development a long-term strategy to manage risk from the estuary, known as Humber 2100+.
Cllr Jack Haines, the council’s portfolio holder for flood management, said: “The council is committed to doing all it can to tackle flooding and the impact it has on local people.
“The 2013 flooding was unprecedented and had a lasting impact on Hull and its people.
“Now, it’s the council’s duty to do all it can to protect residents.
“An incredible amount of work has gone into preventing a disaster like this from happening again and the council will continue to ensure that the citizens and visitors of Hull have improved resilience against tidal flooding.
“This is not just about the council either, residents, business and communities can do their bit to be flood ready.”
Helen Todd, Humber Strategic Manager at the Environment Agency, added: “The 2013 tidal surge had a major impact on communities around the Humber.
“Protecting this region is a priority and since then we have invested over £200 million in new and innovative flood defences around the Humber.
“The Humber 2100+ partnership is working hard to develop a long-term plan for managing sea level rise and tidal flood risk around the estuary for the next 100 years and beyond.
“Developing ways to effectively manage this risk is a complex and long-term process and due to the interconnectedness of the estuary it’s essential we work in partnership to find a solution.
“While Humber 2100+ development is underway, work on the ground is already happening as part of the approved Humber Strategy, with many more projects in development for the future.”
