THOUSANDS of homes in the North East could be at risk of flooding - and a Government database holds information on whether that could be you.

From inland homes at risk of surface water flooding to coastal homes at risk of rising sea levels, thousands of homes are graded a risk level.

This comes as COP26 drew to a close last week and has shone a spotlight on what needs to be done in order to tackle climate change effectively.

Read more: COP 26: Teesside and Tyne and Wear could be underwater by 2030

Meanwhile, a worst-case scenario map revealed the Tyne & Wear and Teesside areas that could be underwater in as little as ten years if action is not taken.

The Northern Echo:

Flooding in Durham Road in Sunderland last year

But a postcode checker, which has been created by the Environment Agency, shows by house number whether your home is at long-term risk, and from what.

Anyone can use the checker which requires your postcode, before showing you what the risk level is for surface water and the risk level from rising river and sea.

What is surface water

However, what some not living next to the coast - or river - might not realise is that surface water, also known as flash flooding, can affect the most unsuspecting areas.

Surface water flooding can happen in inland areas and even higher areas, with the Government defining surface water flooding as the following:

- happens when heavy rain cannot drain away

- is difficult to predict as it depends on rainfall volume and location

- can happen up hills and away from rivers and other bodies of water

- is more widespread in areas with harder surfaces like concrete

Over the years dozens of areas including Durham Road in Sunderland and Chester-le-Street have been pictured partially submerged as surface water has caused disruption.

The Government says that its postcode checker allows people to find out the long-term risk of flooding and possible causes, while it says it also covers risks from reservoirs.

You can see the checker here

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