The International Charter Space and Major Disasters was activated because of ongoing heavy storms have caused flooding across the UK. One person has been reported killed and more than 300 properties flooded so far.
Flooding is expected alongside the big rivers – Thames, Severn and Stour. Roads and train services have been disrupted.
The Environment Agency has issued over 200 flood alerts as of yesterday and more rains are being forecasted in the southeast and west of England over the next couple of days. Around 200000 properties have been protected by existing flood defences and further measures are taken to mitigate the losses.
The International Charter will provide satellite-based maps and images of the affected area in order to help assess the situation.