A NUMBER of Worcestershire towns including Upton Upon Severn could be left underwater by serious flooding in the next three decades, a study has warned.

The study, compiled by Climate Centre, shows areas including Severn Stoke, Upton and Uckinghall, would all see homes left below the minimum flood water level by 2050.

The study says: "Sea level rise is a global story, and it affects every coastal nation. But in the coming decades, the greatest effects will be felt in Asia, thanks to the number of people living in the continent’s low-lying coastal areas."

The study uses NASA satellite data to assess the risk of rising water levels to locations across the world. Despite this, the data does not take into account existing flood defences and measures being taken to combat the rising water levels.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who represents Upton, said the data shows how important the fight against climate change is.

The MP, who has regularly pushed for better flood defences in Worcestershire, said: "Tackling climate change is one of our most important tasks and I welcome our own Government’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and leading the debate at the United Nations COP 26 conference in Glasgow later this year.

"I’ve helped to secure a range of flood defences for places like Upton-upon-Severn, Kempsey, Powick and Uckinghall and these projects aren’t factored into the calculations for this report.

"There is still work to be done in Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke and we need to look hard at how we protect the Powick roundabout better but I am glad that hundreds more homes and business are protected thanks to permanent flood defence schemes across West Worcestershire."

Upton's flood defences helped the town survive the worst of the Storm Christoph flooding this year, while in 2020 residents living near the waterside were urged to evacuate, although the flood defences held once again.

In nearby Powick however, as many as 20 homes were flooded, with families forced to take refuge in nearby hotels.

A substantial relief effort was arranged by district councillor Tom Wells, who helped secure emergency support and accommodation for every family.

To see the full data and interactive map, go to coastal.climatecentral.org