"We are going to have to adapt to a different world. There is no doubt about that at all," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

"That is why we need to invest more in flood defences, which is what we are doing. That is why we need to look at how we can adapt our homes if we live in areas where there is a risk of flooding."

Mr Benn said the Government was still considering whether to apply for EU emergency funding.

"We are currently looking at that. We have to make an assessment of exactly what the total cost is likely to be. We don't yet know that."

Mr Benn's comments came as flood-hit regions in central and southern England braced themselves for yet more severe weather, with forecasters warning of heavy rain over the next 24 hours.

Persistent downpours are expected across south Wales and into England.

The Met Office released the early warning as the Environment Agency (EA) said water bills would have to rise to pay for flood-proofing towns and cities.

Baroness Young, the head of the EA, told the Daily Telegraph millions of pounds must be spent on improving drainage and protecting infrastructure, such as electricity substations and water plants.

She said: "Bills are going to have to go up, both because of draught and floods. Climate change is coming home to roost."