Infographic: how often has the Thames Barrier been used?

SINCE it was built in 1982, the Thames Barrier has been raised 150 times in order to prevent flooding in central London. This year's wet winter has required it to be closed 28 times since December 6, accounting for 18.7 per cent of the total closures in its 32-year history.

The Environment Agency recently released the map below showing how much of London would be under water if it were not protected by the Thames Barrier.

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