Tuesday November 24 2009 RESIDENTS of flood-hit Cumbria are today bracing themselves for even more heavy rain and flooding as they begin the gruelling clean-up of their homes and businesses.
Forecasters have warned people in
Cockermouth, Cumbria - which suffered the
biggest downpour in British history - to prepare for the worst as they predicted up to four-inches of
rain will fall on the county's already-saturated ground.
RAIN, WIND, STORMS: WINTRY WEATHER STRIKES BRITAIN WEATHER: FORECASTS IN YOUR AREA More than 17
flood warnings are in place across the UK as the
weather chaos continues - 10 in north-west England, five in Wales, and one in both the Midlands
and the North East - with a further 75 flood watches across the country.
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COCKERMOUTH FLOODS: Cumbrian residents have begun the clean-up
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Environment Secretary Hilary Benn warned the county should prepare for the worst, saying: "Further heavy rain is forecast overnight and there may be some further flooding."
Hundreds of residents in washed-out Cockermouth have now been allowed back into their homes to begin a huge clean-up operation, after "unprecedented" rainfall saw more than 12 inches fall in 24 hours.
Today the emergency services were put back on flood alert, as the Environment Agency warned the latest rain will raise rivers to dangerous heights once again.
Levels are not expected to reach those seen across Cumbria at the weekend, but residents have been instructed to stand-by to take action as some properties are at risk of flooding as the ground is still heavily-saturated.
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Everything is ruined
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Elaine Oxon, owner of fashion store Westmidges
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David Jordan, director of the Environment Agency, said: “We want to reiterate to people that river levels will remain high, rivers will be fast- flowing and flood water is exceptionally dangerous.”
Six people have died in the last week as a result of the unforgiving downpours and severe winds, which struck last Thursday.
Six bridges have already collapsed, causing major transport and logistical headaches for thousands of people.
The local authority warned Workington residents that if Calva Bridge collapses, 11,000 homes north of the river will lose their telephone connections.
Residents are being urged to make contingency arrangements and keep mobile phones charged.
The town’s river can currently only be crossed by train and carriages were packed again today after a fortnight’s worth of passengers boarded the train yesterday.
Tom Tobler, MeteoGroup forecaster, said: “It’s going to be raining throughout the day.
“We expect there will be several problems, but it’s unlikely to be as bad as last week - that was quite exceptional.”
Yesterday police lifted the cordon around the 900 affected properties in Cockermouth so flood victims could see for themselves how much damage had been done.
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Cockermouth homes and businesses have been ravaged by the flood waters
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Many were emotional as they opened their front doors to be confronted by broken furniture, floors carpeted in mud and water-ruined stock.
Elaine Oxon, owner of fashion store Westmidges, in Main Street, lost her entire stock.
She said: “The smell is absolutely horrendous, it might be contaminated. We may never be able to open again and I feel like giving up. Everything is ruined.”
Cumbria Police chief constable Craig Mackey warned that it could take Cumbria years to recover from the damage caused by the floods.
He said: “What will distinguish this from many other floodings across the country is the length of time the recovery phase will take.
“We will be working with our communities for weeks, months, and in some cases years to come.”
Yesterday Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced emergency funding to help rebuild bridges and roads devastated by the floods.
He said the extra money would be made available to local authorities via the Department for Transport.
Investment in flood defences is set to reach £800 million by next year, he said in a speech to the CBI conference in London.
Mr Brown’s spokesman said all the Highways Agency bridges in Cumbria - which carry the main arterial roads and motorways - had been checked and cleared.
He said: “Government and local councils will do everything to help local people rebuild their lives.
“The most immediate concern is to get people back into their homes and to get them fed and keep them warm, as well as to ensure we can start the structural review of bridges.”
Prince Charles is due to visit flood-affected Cumbrian communities on Friday.
FROM A FORMER RESIDENT OF BEAUTIFUL CUMBRIA: PLEASE, DON'T GIVE UP.
24.11.09, 2:21pm
I know the people of Cumbria, I grew up there, was educated and raised there. You have an amazing spirit. This may seem overwhelming, but you will come out of it. This, too, will pass.
Take heart. There have been many devastated communities here in the USA from horrific flooding and massive wildfires, and people have overcome and gone on to live their lives.
Just look at New Orleans. What could be worse than the sea flowing through the breached levies and over houses? At the time I wondered how people could come to terms with that. But you do.
People of Cumbria, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. You will overcome this. I believe in you. God bless you all. Courage.
• Posted by: Shenandoah • Report Comment
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