WHILE the world watches as far off Nepal suffers another major earthquake, scientists here in Hampshire have been studying nature at its destructive worst closer to home.

Boffins at Southampton University, as we report today, have completed research into the worst storms to his the UK in the past 100-years.

Since 1915 there have been no less than 96 destructive storms to strike Britain. It is hoped the new database of coastal flooding - SurgeWatch - will help coastal regions be better prepared for what nature has in store in the future.

In recent years the cost of flooding to Britain's coastline has brought to the fore concerns over whether changes on global weather created by rising temperatures from global warming will become more regular.

And while scientists appear to argue among themselves over whether man's own actions are to blame for such events or if we are witnesses a more natural change in our climate, that does not remove the need to understand what is taking place.

The research underscores again how Southampton along with the Oceanographic Centre based in the city is of world-class standard.

Hopefully the research will help save lives as well as protect property in the future and may go on to aid other nations in their fight to keep the sea and elements at bay.