AN interactive map has shown how several areas of south Essex could be underwater by the end of the decade.

Created by an independent organisation of scientists and journalists, collectively known as Climate Central, the map show areas of the country that could be under sea level by the end of 2030.

The map uses current projections and peer-reviewed science in leading journals. It shows much of coastal south Essex is at risk of being under water in just seven years' time.

Land in Tilbury could succumb to rising sea levels as well as parts of Canvey.

All of Foulness Island and parts of Shoebury could also be impacted.

There are also areas along Southend’s seafront including parts of Thorpe Bay Beach and some parts of the Golden Mile.

Climate Central maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers.

A spokesman for Climate Central said: “As these maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error, these maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk.

“Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea level rises as well.”

In the case of Canvey, the sea wall should significantly mitigate the real threat to the island.