Published on
The intensification of extreme weather events is forcing many EU citizens to take matters into their own hands.
A new surveyby the European Environment Agency (EEA) found that 40% now have a policy covering climate hazards
Microstates aside, the countries with the highest rates of insured households are in Slovenia (66%), Hungary (58%), the Czech Republic (53%), and France (51%).
At the other end of the spectrum are Sweden (18%), Greece (23%), Croatia (25%) and Bulgaria (27%).
The destruction caused by Cyclone Harry in Sicily, where four kilometres of hillside collapsed, prompting the evacuation of more than 1,500 people, as well as the floods brought by Storm Marta in Portugal and Spain, have reignited the debate on climate disaster prevention measures.
No flood-proofing measures in most European properties
While Europeans are taking steps to insure themselves financially, the same can’t be said for measures to physically protect their properties against floods.
According to the EEA, 87% of households have no flood-proofing measures in place, such as improved drainage systems or flood barriers.
In southern Europe — probably the most at-risk area on the continent — the figure goes up to 89%, with even higher percentages of unprotected properties in Italy (90%) and Spain (93%), countries repeatedly hit by extreme weather events in recent decades.
Flood anxiety: Where is it running highest?
Personal preparedness aside, worry levels are high, particularly in southern and central Europe.
The Greeks are the most alarmed in the EU about severe floods (94%), followed by Portuguese citizens (91%) and Bulgarians (90%).
Perhaps surprisingly, 17.5% of Spanish residents say they are completely unbothered about flood risks, with 14% in Italy who say the same.
What’s the local perception of flood mitigation measures?
Across most of Europe, a low perception of preventive measures by the authorities only adds to the concern.
In the EU, 76% say they haven’t seen any flood mitigation systems near their homes, such as, for example, dykes or rainwater retention ponds.
The perception is significantly higher regarding extreme weather warnings or alerts, such as text messages, calls, or media coverage, with only 43% of EU citizens not having noticed them in their local area.
Poland (93%) has the highest public alert perception rate, followed by Portugal (90%), Romania and Luxembourg (86% respectively) and Greece (85%).