STORM FRANK HASN’T just been wreaking havoc over Ireland, it is giving our UK neighbours a tough time too.

While 13,000 homes have been left with no power in Ireland and battered much of the country overnight, the Scottish Environmental Agency currently has 79 flood warnings in place.

The UK Met Office has warned people of further flooding and high winds in Scotland, Wales and the some parts of England.

There are three severe flood warnings in England and Wales, 46 in flood warnings in England and Wales and 87 flood alerts in the same regions, according to Sky News.

A number of ferry sailings were also cancelled overnight due to the adverse weather.

A bridge in north Yorkshire in England collapsed into a river due to a swollen river.

With more floods forecast today, Britain is asking whether its defences can deal with extreme weather events, with many accusing David Cameron’s government of negligence.

Waves crash over the Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset. Andrew Matthews Andrew Matthews

The British government has spent around £1.8 billion in recent years on flood defences designed to protect towns and villages.

However, Cameron, who has been out visiting areas affected by the flooding, has admitted that they have not been a total success, saying: “It’s clear that in some cases they have been overtopped and overrun.”

A view of the Ulls Water in Glenridding, Ullswater, Cumbria, as Storm Frank begins to batter the UK on its way towards flood-hit areas. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

A prime example is the flood barrier at York, which became submerged by the rising water, disabling some of the electrical wiring inside.

Fearing all the pumps could be damaged, the authorities decided to temporarily open the barrier, causing further flooding and leading to the River Foss bursting its banks.

Fearing all the pumps could be damaged, the authorities decided to temporarily open the barrier, causing further flooding and leading to the River Foss bursting its banks.

David Rooke, an Environment Agency official, has called for a “complete rethink” about the threat of flooding, with nearly one in five houses now at risk, according to The National Association of Estate Agents.

Among the proposed solutions are improved warning systems, more use of waterproof construction materials and less deforestation.

Additional reporting AFP

Read: 5,000 homes without power as Ireland gears up for a night of Storm Frank ferocity>

Read: Widespread flooding and 13,000 homes without power after Storm Frank>

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