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In early October 2026, the Prince of Wales traveled to Skenfrith, a small village in Monmouthshire, to address the escalating issue of severe flooding. The community has faced immense challenges, having experienced four major floods within just six years. A particularly devastating incident occurred last winter during Storm Claudia, which saw a month’s volume of rainfall descend in a single twenty-four-hour period. This caused the River Monnow to burst its banks, leading to widespread damage throughout the village. During his visit, Prince William engaged with residents to understand the profound impact on their daily lives. Among them were Rob and Helen Wyatt, who have resorted to tiling their entire ground floor as a defensive measure against persistent water damage. The Prince voiced his deep sympathy for the residents, acknowledging the constant anxiety felt by families as the storm season nears. He remarked that extreme weather events, previously categorized as rare ‘one-in-fifty-year’ occurrences, are now appearing with alarming frequency—almost annually. Prince William highlighted that traditional scientific methods for measuring these disasters are increasingly inadequate and that statistics from the past no longer reflect current realities. Consequently, he advocated for a more holistic approach to flood management. Rather than focusing on isolated incidents, he suggested a comprehensive strategy that examines the entire system. Key to this strategy is the management of the catchment area—the land where water gathers before entering the river. The Prince proposed several mitigation techniques, such as large-scale tree planting and the implementation of specific farming methods designed to slow the flow of water upstream. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of enhanced monitoring systems to provide earlier warnings to vulnerable communities. The Prince believes that by adopting this integrated approach, it may be possible to break the demoralizing cycle of destruction and reconstruction. His visit serves as a significant reminder that as global climate patterns shift, our strategies for protecting the environment and our homes must evolve accordingly.

1. What is the main purpose of the Prince of Wales’s visit to Skenfrith?

• A.To provide financial aid to the victims of Storm Claudia.
• B.To discuss the increasing frequency of floods and potential solutions.
• C.To help the Wyatt family retile their damaged ground floor.
• D.To investigate why the River Monnow bursts its banks every fifty years.

2. According to the article, why did Rob and Helen Wyatt change their flooring?

• A.They wanted a more modern look for their ground floor.
• B.Tiling is more resistant to the recurring threat of water entering the house.
• C.The government provided a grant for flood-proof renovations.
• D.They needed to prepare for the arrival of the Prince of Wales.

3. What can be inferred about the Prince’s view on current flood statistics?

• A.He believes the data is too complex for the general public to understand.
• B.He thinks scientists are using the wrong tools to collect rainfall data.
• C.He feels they are outdated because extreme events are happening much more often.
• D.He suggests that the statistics are being ignored by local authorities.

4. How does the Prince feel about the families living in Skenfrith?

• A.He is concerned about their lack of preparation for the storm season.
• B.He is frustrated that they have to rebuild their homes so often.
• C.He is optimistic that the next storm will be less damaging.
• D.He is compassionate towards their feelings of worry and stress.

5. In the context of the article, what does the word ‘mitigate’ mean?

• A.To accurately predict when an event will occur.
• B.To make the effects of something less severe.
• C.To completely prevent a natural disaster from happening.
• D.To analyze the causes of a specific problem.