Yeah, most of the flooding is down south though, this is more to do with the wind. This is the highest rainfall the UK has had since 1852, some places are getting a month's worth in one day, so there is not a lot you can do in general to stop rivers flooding. If you live near one you are fucked. Dredging rivers can only do so much. Some local councils have spent millions on flood defences, which do work, but only up to a point.