The Government has announced the launch of a new taskforce to response to extreme weather.

This year, the UK experienced its third drought in five years, and the Environment Agency has warned that around 6.3 million homes are at risk of flooding. The impacts of climate change and extreme weather have put homes, people and critical infrastructure at risk.

Floods and drought minister Emma Hardy said: “We’re facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined, but the government is taking decisive action. 

“We’re taking a smarter, more joined-up approach to manage the nation’s water and set up our new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce. This will put communities and businesses at the heart of our work and will make sure the UK is ready for whatever the weather brings next. 

“We are also backing that ambition with historic investment, including £4.2bn for existing and new flood defences that will protect even more people in the years ahead.” 

The taskforce, which will first meet this Wednesday, will consist of over 50 organisations including the Met Office, Environment Agency, fire and rescue services and the farming and water industries.

The UK’s flood risk has been further impacted by this year’s super El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon. The strongest El Niño in centuries, it puts the UK at growing threat of floods and storms.

Greg Dewhurst, senior meteorologist at the Met Office said: “Based on previous El Niño events, there is an increased likelihood of wetter and stormier conditions across the UK during late autumn and early winter.

“The exact impacts depend on how El Niño interacts with other climate drivers, as well as local weather patterns and climate change.”

The Environment Agency has advised households to stay up to date with flood alerts.