A flood embankment is traditionally an earth wall used to shore up flood waters.
Most flood embankments are between 1 metre and 3 metres high. A 5-metre-high (16 ft) flood embankment is rare.[1]
Modern improvements to this design include constructing an internal central core made from impermeable substance like clay or concrete, some even use metal pilings.[2]
Some authorities call man-made structures levees.
Clifton, Rawcliffe, Poppleton and Leeman ings in York
This is an animation showing a flood event overwhelming neighbouring properties and the added construction of a flood embankment and flood warning and protection status.