Flood damage 'could have been prevented'

Using correct water management techniques could have prevented some of the damage from the recent floods, a group of experts has said in an open letter to the prime minister.

The experts - representing 15 organisations including the Institution of Environmental Sciences and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management - wrote in The Telegraph:

"Water management techniques could have helped prevent the effect of flooding on villages, towns and over surrounding land seen recently. Emergency measures are in order for the immediate crisis."

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Urging David Cameron to adopt new measures on flood prevention they added: "But in the long term, the management of water requires a clear strategy."