The Government has launched a review to "learn lessons" from the flooding which devastated large parts of northern England last month.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said the probe would examine why the problems were so extensive, and assess the emergency response.
Four people were killed as a direct result of the extreme weather conditions, and more than 37,000 properties were affected across the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside.
Thousands of people are still being housed in temporary accommodation.
In a written statement to the Commons, Mr Benn said the response of the emergency services, local authorities and communities had been "impressive".
"However, as the affected communities, businesses and individuals move to the long and difficult task of recovery, they are understandably asking questions about the flooding - its causes and subsequent management."
The review will be led by officials from the Cabinet Office, despite Tory calls for an independent probe.
Initial findings should be published by the end of the year, according to Mr Benn.
A review will be held at a later stage into the long-term recovery effort for affected areas.
