Could the Thames flood the underground?
Could the Thames flood the underground? The planners assessed that in the absence of a barrier, such a surge could inundate 45 square miles (117 km2) of land, put hospitals, power stations and the London Underground out of action and cause damage estimated in 1966 at £2 billion (about £50 billion at 2020 prices).
Is the Thames the cleanest river in Europe?
The Thames is considered to be the cleanest river in the world that flows through a major city. The Thames is home to 125 species of fish and more than 400 invertebrates. This is in spite of the fact that raw sewage is routinely pumped into the river during heavy rains.
How long will the Thames barrier last?
It expects the barrier to continue to protect London until 2070 – but that to protect the capital up to 2100, as planned, the structure may need to be replaced. That decision – whether to build a new barrier or upgrade the existing one – will wait until 2040, with all options remaining open until then, it says.