UK – Floods Prompt Evacuations and Rescues

by in News, UK

The Environment Agency in England has issued over 250 warnings (75) or alerts for flooding (185) after days of heavy rain across the British Isles. Major floods are affecting parts of the Isle of Man where some residents are trapped in their homes. Flooding in Scotland has damaged roads and bridges, while flooding in Powys, Wales, has disrupted rail travel.

Flood warnings in England 01 Oct 2019. Image: UK Government

Isle of Man

A major incident has been declared on the Isle of Man with reports of people trapped in their homes due to flooding. Fire Rescue and Coastguard have been deployed to the area, with areas along the overflowing Laxey river said to be the worst affected. Several roads are closed on the island due to flooding and several vehicles have been washed away.

Floods in Laxley, Isle of Man, 01 October 2019. Photo: Isle of Man Police

England and Wales

The Environment Agency in England has also issued a Precautionary Evacuation Notice (PEN) flood warning for areas on on the Norfolk Coast in eastern England. The notice covers coastal communities of Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham. The Environment Agency said “The flood warnings have been issued because the combination of a high tide due at 8.40am tomorrow (Tuesday 1 October) and north-westerly winds up to force 6 could result in flooding.”

In the west of England a search operation was called off by Gloucestershire Police after a man, feared to have been swept away by the Severn Bore wave, was found safe and well. In the Midlands, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said teams carried out high water rescues after a vehicle was aught in floodwater in Bretby, near Burton upon Trent.

Flooding and heavy rain has disrupted train travel in parts of northern England and also in Powys, Wales.

On the south coast of England strong winds and high waves on Sunday damaged property in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.

Scotland

Heavy rain in Scotland on Saturday 28 caused flooding in parts of Aberdeenshire, damaging or destroying bridges and roads in several areas including King Edward and Crovie.

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