The government has updated its flood maps which contain information around the risk of both coastal and river flooding.
The purpose of the maps is to increase awareness of flood risk among residents, businesses, local authorities and government agencies.
They are intended to outline the likelihood of an area experiencing flooding and should be used to assess risk and initiate action to improve resilience.
Flood Maps
Flood risk maps were first developed in 2010 and have been reviewed and updated several times.
The Department of Infrastructure’s Flood Management Division will continue to review and republish when new data becomes available or there is an improved understanding of flood risk.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood said: “The Department’s Flood Management team play an important role in assessing and publishing the latest information, particularly for planning purposes and in light of climate change.
“The updated flood maps are designed to empower our community and enable residents, businesses and others to make informed decisions around protecting properties and infrastructure.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood
“In addition to carrying out essential maintenance and management of the Island’s designated watercourses, work continues for the Department on a number of fronts, with projects progressing in Laxey to deliver the Glen Road flood alleviation scheme, and the development of tidal flood protection options for Ramsey.”
The Minister added: “I encourage anyone interested in viewing the maps to read the questions and answers published on the IoM Flood Hub website to gain full context around how they are compiled and what they aim to achieve.”
The updated maps can be found by either visiting the IoM Flood Hub website or gov.im/maps
Flood Maps Controversy
Some homeowners on the Isle of Man are struggling to sell their homes after finding out their properties are classed as a flood risk.
Manx.News published several articles on the insurance struggles facing home owners as properties were identified on a flood map.
A source who is trying to sell their home told Manx.News that an advocate had advised a buyer not to buy the house “because of the flood risk”, despite the house never flooding.
Not For Commercial Use
The flood map says that it shouldn’t be used for commercial or insurance purposes.
The DoI told Manx.News that “the insurance industry set criteria based on their own information and the Department of Infrastructure have no involvement in this”.
It also said: “The flood maps cannot be used for the purposes of insurance or commercial decision making.”
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