The next problem

First it was Somerset that was awash and now the Thames has burst its banks flooding towns along the river. Many have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge on higher ground. No doubt they will have secured their properties as best they can but with the electricity shut off, burglar alarms will cease to function. With no neighbours to keep watch and no police presence,  these properties are now vulnerable.

It is only a matter of time before the thieves move in and take their pickings, piling more misery on the hapless victims. Returning home to find your possessions awash with dirty water is bad enough, to find they have been taken by some opportunist thief would be even worse.

I bet the insurance companies are holding crisis talks right now about how they can use clauses in their policies to avoid massive payouts to these people.