A property is nearly submerged by a flash flood

The campaign gets under way as scientists confirm evidence of increasing winter rainfall and rising river levels over the past 40 years.

Less than 12 months ago, the deluge of autumn 2000 saw 10,000 homes and businesses flooded across Wales and England.

September marks the start of the winter flood season, and if water levels rise again this year, up to five million people in Wales and England could be affected

Many homes in Ruthin, north Wales, were among those severely hit twice in one week during last year's floods.

Douglas Edwards, who has lived in the town's Mwrog Street for 60 years, said: "Every house was hit. You don't think it will until it happens but I've never seen it as bad as it was this time."

Homes and cars caught in Ruthin's two floods

Environment Agency Wales said damage to flood defences last year has been repaired but delivering new projects will take longer.

It said the �14m given to the six Welsh local flood defence committees is less than the agency wanted.

Spokesman Meic Davies said the organisation was working with local authorities to do what they all could to reduce flooding but some flooding would inevitably occur somewhere.

"What we are publicising is what people can do to prepare themselves and the their property from flooding," he said.

People in Ruthin have said they have been told flood defence work on the river in the town will begin in the next 10 days.