The Good Morning Britain host told Environment Secretary Liz Truss that “even a village idiot” could predict Britain will suffer more extreme weather because of climate change and global warming.
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The flooding is not expected to be as bad as that caused by Storm Desmond, but could hamper recovery efforts.
Two people – in Cumbria and Northern Ireland – are also reported to have died as a result of the flooding.
In the aftermath of Storm Desmond, which battered parts of the United Kingdom over the weekend, questions are being asked as to whether the government is doing enough to keep the United Kingdom protected from flood events.
“The people who have got to move out of their homes, we need to get their insurance claims done quickly, find them alternative accommodation”, the prime minister said.
“But what the defences do do is they slow it down, it gives us more time, it’s given people here more time to evacuate safely, and it’s meant that there’s less water on the streets than there would have been if we hadn’t had that defence in place”.
The average rainfall for Cumbria for the month of December is 146.1mm, the Met Office said.
Stewart Young, the leader of Cumbria county council, demanded an investigation into the defences after the Environment Agency admitted there were “lessons to be learnt” for the future.
Virgin Trains said it is hopeful the main west coast rail route will be reopened by noon, after flood water north of Carlisle fell quicker than predicted.
Business owner Jon Holdsworth, of Patterdale Hall Estate half-a-mile away, described the floods as “biblical” as he watched his camping and caravan business disappear under water. “Either David Cameron must ensure tougher action on emissions at home and globally, or commit hundreds of millions of pounds more to flood defences”.
A total of 2,657 properties in Cumbria, one of the worst-hit areas in north England, have still been left without power as floodwater is restricting access for repairing teams.
He said the water was waist high at points along the road and had flooded local businesses including a auto dealership and a convenience store.
These severe warnings have dropped to 16 today, although many flood warnings and alerts still remain in place.
The British government has created a more than 100 million dollar aid fund for homes and businesses in Cumbria, affected by a flooding crisis in England’s North-West.
Mr Stevenson said: “What I found interesting about what the Chancellor said was “We will be assessing the extent of the damage” and I think that means that if the county needs additional fund we will be be making a strong case for further support”.
Workmen by Pooley Bridge in Ullswater, Cumbria survey the damage after it collapsed following heavy flooding.
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BT has stationed satellite vehicles so that the emergency services and local residents can make urgent calls.
