Brechin evacuation: Residents in Scottish town could lose homes forever due to flooding… as councillor warns ‘repercussions of devastating weather could take years to resolve’
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Residents evacuated from the UK town worst-hit by Storm Babet might not be back in their homes by Christmas amid concerns the damage could take years to repair.
Some locals in Brechin, Angus, could even be permanently out of their houses after massive flooding caused by the storm that brought heavy rain and strong winds.
It comes as other flood-hit areas were told to brace for a further two inches of rain today and tomorrow as the Met Office issued two fresh warnings for more chaos.
One yellow rain warning was issued for South West Wales today from 5pm until midnight, while another will cover already-saturated parts of the East Midlands tomorrow from 3am until 4pm. More than 50mm (2in) is set to fall in both areas.
Some 1,250 homes in England have been flooded, the Environment Agency said as other households battle to keep their homes safe. The storm has claimed nine lives.
Officials warned there could be more flooding in the coming days, adding that an estimated 30,000 properties have been protected so far by defences.
David Pickering inspects flood damage at his home in Catcliffe in South Yorkshire today
Flood damage in Catcliffe in South Yorkshire this afternoon in the aftermath of Storm Babet
Lynsey France and David Pickering inspect flood damage in their home in Catcliffe today
Flood damage in Catcliffe in South Yorkshire this afternoon in the aftermath of Storm Babet
Eric Burns inspects flood damage in his home in Catcliffe in South Yorkshire this afternoon
The inside of Kim Clark’s flood damaged home on River Street in Brechin, Angus, today
The flood damaged garden belonging to Kim Clark on River Street in Brechin, Angus, today
Kim Clark with partner Paul Fowlie and daughter Isla at their flood-hit home in Brechin today
Coral Curtis sweeps flood water from her house on Sherwood Street in Chesterfield today
The Met Office rain warning in place for South West Wales from 5pm today until midnight
The Met Office rain warning in place for the East Midlands tomorrow from 3am until 4pm
The Environment Agency has 116 flood warnings (in red) and 123 alerts (in amber) for England
Forecasters said communities could still become cut off by flooded roads, with further flood warnings expected for some of the worst affected areas into next week.
The Met Office has said the weather will ‘remain unsettled with further spells of wind and rain throughout the week’, although today was bright and chilly after a frosty night that saw temperatures fall to a low of -4.6C (23.7F) in Braemar, Aberdeenshire.
WEATHER LIVEBLOG UK flooding LIVE: Storm Babet weather latest as experts warn floods could last DAYS after nine are killed by devastating heavy rain and winds
First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf visited Brechin in Angus today to see where the River South Esk burst its banks and flooded dozens of homes. He met residents, one of whom told of a close escape from floodwaters while rescuing his dog.
A total of 118 flood warnings and 130 flood alerts were in place across Britain today – most of which were for England, comprising 116 warnings and 123 alerts.
While most train lines are now operating normally again following scenes of chaos at London King’s Cross at the weekend, there is still disruption today – including between Sheffield and Nottingham, with Northern trains unable to run past Alfreton.
In Scotland, the Inverness to Wick and Thurso line is part suspended north of Lairg today, while buses are operating between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.
In Brechin, one local councillor said some people in the town could be permanently out of their homes following the flooding.
Conservative councillor Gavin Nicol, who represents the Brechin and Edzell Ward on Angus Council, called for more funding from the Scottish Government, telling BBC Radio Scotland today: ‘I can tell you the repercussions of the flooding will take months and years to resolve.
‘Angus Council, unfortunately, does not have the resources to do the job, it needs to to protect the residents.
‘We really need finance from the Scottish Government in order to protect our residents, to rehome them. Some will be out for months, if not permanently.’
Flooding around Welney in Norfolk this morning after the New Bedford River burst its banks
Residents view the aftermath of flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe today
Flood damage in Catcliffe near Rotherham this afternoon in the aftermath of Storm Babet
Flooded football pitches at Nottingham Power League on Thane Road in Nottingham today
Janette Wills starts to clean up following flood damage at her home in Catcliffe today
Flood damage in Catcliffe near Rotherham this afternoon in the aftermath of Storm Babet
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Janette Wills starts to clean up following flood damage at her home in Catcliffe today
Damaged items outside a property on Sherwood Street in Chesterfield this morning
Huge waves continue to crash over the rocks at Seaham in County Durham this morning
Queen’s Drive Park & Ride in Nottingham which is closed this morning due to major flooding
A resident looks at a local authority worker collecting damaged furniture from outside a property on Sherwood Street in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, as the clean up continues today
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Damaged furniture from a property on Sherwood Street in Chesterfield this morning
The Environment Agency said: ‘River flooding will continue into Wednesday along the River Severn.
‘Further flooding is possible from rivers and surface water on Tuesday and Wednesday for parts of England due to further heavy rain.’
The warning comes as 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert was found dead after her home was hit by flooding in Derbyshire, taking the number of people who have died since the storm hit the UK to at least four.
Derbyshire Police said the pensioner was found dead at about 10.35am on Saturday at her home in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield.
Her son Paul Gilbert told Sky News he found his mother ‘floating in the water’.
He told the broadcaster: ‘I did not want to find my own mum and I expected somebody else to have found her.
‘I go through so many different stages, anger, upset, I don’t know. I can’t put it into words what it means at the moment.’
Wendy Taylor, 57, died after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday, Police Scotland said.
Her family described her as ‘a ray of sunshine for everyone who was fortunate enough to know her’ in a tribute issued through police.
‘We are absolutely heartbroken to lose Wendy in such tragic circumstances and are still struggling to come to terms with it. Wendy was a beautiful, kind, funny and caring person,’ they said.
People survey the damage in the flood-hit South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe this morning
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Wheelie bins scatter the road as floods begin to recede today in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire
People survey the damage in the flood-hit South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe this morning
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
People survey the damage in the flood-hit South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe this morning
Wheelie bins on the road as floods begin to recede today in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
The interior of a car wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe today
Cars have been damaged by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Wheelie bins on the road as floods begin to recede today in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Residents begin the clean up and count the costs as flood waters recede in Catcliffe today
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Wheelie bins on the road as floods begin to recede today in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
The interior of a car damaged by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe today
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Residents begin the clean up and count the costs as flood waters recede in Catcliffe today
Wrecked furniture on a driveway as floods begin to recede today in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire
Workers begin the clean up as flood waters recede in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire, today
Halloween decorations in the flood-hit South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe this morning
Workers begin the clean up as flood waters recede in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire, today
Cars have been wrecked by flooding in the South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe, pictured today
Halloween decorations in the flood-hit South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe this morning
People survey the damage in the flood-hit South Yorkshire village of Catcliffe this morning
‘Wendy was the beloved wife, best friend and soulmate in life to George, mother to James, Sally and Susanna and Granny to India and George.’
READ MORE Storm Babet: ‘Beloved’ grandmother dies after being swept away in river at Glen Esk – with police naming the victim as Wendy Taylor
In Scotland, Angus and Aberdeenshire were badly hit by the storm and teams have been clearing debris from roads, while those hit by flooding are making repairs.
Residents of River Street in Brechin were today trying to dry out their homes as they surveyed the damage from the floodwater.
Locals there were first alerted to the danger of the body of water overtopping local flood defences on Thursday as heavy downpours caused levels to rise rapidly.
In the early hours of Friday, emergency services stepped up efforts to move people out of their properties as water started to spill over the sides of the defences and engulf the street.
Respite centres were set up in the town for individuals and families forced to leave their homes and residents only started returning in large numbers on Sunday to assess the damage.
During his visit to Brechin today, Mr Yousaf assessed the damage of Storm Babet and visited a home on River Street in the town which was flooded following heavy rain.
He was also able to speak to local residents, one of whom told of how he had a close escape from flood waters while rescuing his dog.
Mr Yousaf also thanked volunteers, local authority staff and emergency service personnel who played a part in the evacuation.
He was heard to tell one local resident: ‘We’ll support you as much as we can.’ Mr Yousaf added: ‘It’s going to be a long road to recovery.’
First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks to Kim Clark today in her flood-hit home in Brechin, Angus
First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks to Paul Fowlie and his partner Kim Clark in Brechin today
The clean-up continues on River Street in Brechin today after flooding caused by Storm Babet
First Minister Humza Yousaf (left) speaks to residents during a visit to Brechin this morning
First Minister Humza Yousaf (second left) waves to residents in their homes in Brechin today
First Minister Humza Yousaf meets members of the emergency services in Brechin today
First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Brechin in Angus today
First Minister Humza Yousaf during a visit to Brechin today after flooding devastated the town
First Minister Humza Yousaf (centre right) speaks to (left to right) chief executive of Angus Council Margo Williamson, leader of Angus Council Beth Whiteside and director of infrastructure and environment Graeme Dailly during a visit to Brechin today
Local authority workers clean up the debris left today after Storm Babet hit Brechin
First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks to staff from local Brechin firm Matrix International today
First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Brechin in Angus today
Mairi Gougeon, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, in Brechin today
First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks to the media during a visit to Brechin in Angus today
Angus Council said it has had an ‘overwhelming’ response to an appeal for accommodation for people unable to return to their properties because of the damage caused by the floods.
READ MORE Heartbroken son of Storm Babet victim describes harrowing moment he found his housebound mother, 83, dead at home floodwaters rushed in – as pensioner becomes ninth to be killed in deadly UK weather
A call for clothing and toiletries for those affected by the floods also led to hundreds of donations, the local authority said.
The First Minister’s visit comes after a councillor said some people in Brechin could be out of their homes permanently.
Conservative councillor Gavin Nicol, who represents the Brechin and Edzell ward on Angus Council, called for more funding from the Scottish Government, telling BBC Radio Scotland on Monday: ‘I can tell you the repercussions of the flooding will take months and years to resolve.
‘Angus Council, unfortunately, does not have the resources to do the job, it needs to to protect the residents.
‘We really need finance from the Scottish Government in order to protect our residents, to rehome them. Some will be out for months, if not permanently.’
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the Scottish Government has to have a ‘frank’ conversation with vulnerable communities on how Scotland prepares for events such as Storm Babet.
She told BBC’s Good Morning Scotland: ‘We do have to have some frank conversations with government and our communities because, with the best will in the world, the best flood defences will not give 100 per cent protection 100 per cent of the time.
‘What we’ve seen with Babet is, over two days, two months’ worth of rainfall, which is exceptional, and the impact of that will be with communities for some time.
A woman pushes a buggy through the thick fog this morning in Leeds, West Yorkshire
A stag grazes at a misty Richmond Park in South West London this morning
The 40 bus from Leeds to Seacroft is driven through fog in the West Yorkshire city today
Frost on a car windscreen in the Scottish Highlands today where temperatures fell to -5C
Dawn at St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay off the North East coast this morning
‘Of course there’s been some really tragic consequences of the storm and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected.’
Weather forecast for the next few days
Here is the weather forecast for this week from Meteogroup UK:
- TODAY: It is expected to be a dry morning for most, with some light cloud cover, turning thicker in some places for a time. Later on in the day, there will be steady rain for central and southern England, though it should remain mostly light. Winds are expected to stay predominantly gentle and easterly.
- TOMORROW: Tomorrow is expected to be quite an unsettled day with showers throughout the country, becoming particularly frequent in England and Northern Ireland, though the showers will even then still be quite scattered. A very overcast day is expected, with just a few sunny breaks in southern areas at times.
- WEDNESDAY: It is expected to be mostly cloudy with a band of fairly persistent rain for the west of England and Wales throughout the day on Wednesday, with winds staying mostly gentle.
- THURSDAY: Thursday is going to be another wet day with lots of showers, sometimes turning moderate but staying light for many areas.
Derby City Council saw record-breaking water levels in the River Derwent and warned that cleaning up after the floods could take several days.
Met Office spokesman Dave Britton said those worst affected by the flooding caused by Storm Babet could see ‘a couple of quieter days’.
Mr Britton said more settled weather today could allow some respite and a chance for recovery.
He added: ‘There is this pulse of rain moving its way north overnight later on Monday and into Tuesday, but the rest of the week does look like it remains rather unsettled with spells of rain at times.’
Last Friday, a man in his 60s died after getting caught in fast-flowing floodwater in the town of Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire.
Police Scotland previously said a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus on Thursday evening, killing the 56-year-old driver.
Police confirmed this morning that a search is continuing for a second man reported missing on Friday, who is said to have been trapped in a vehicle in floodwater in Marykirk, Aberdeenshire.
Most weather warnings expired over the weekend but the Met Office issued a yellow ice warning saying icy patches forming overnight could cause fresh disruption on roads across much of Scotland this morning.
Mr Yousaf said ahead of his scheduled visit: ‘My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives to the extreme conditions caused by Storm Babet during what will be difficult time.
‘I want to pass on my thanks to local authorities, volunteers and the emergency services for all their efforts in these extremely challenging conditions.
‘The local community in Brechin, like others across Scotland, has come together to offer support to all those affected by the floods, with Angus Council receiving hundreds of offers of alternative accommodation for those forced to leave their homes.
‘The process of assessing the full amount of damage caused in all areas affected by the storm is now under way. This will take some time and we are working closely with local authorities to support the people and businesses affected.’
Angus Council chief executive Margo Williamson added: ‘I am tremendously proud of Angus’s response to Storm Babet.
‘Working closely with partners from across Tayside we have done our best to preserve life in extremely challenging conditions.
‘I would like to pay tribute to everyone who supported this effort, particularly our volunteer organisations such as the Red Cross, Voluntary Action Angus, and our Tayside 4×4 drivers who have played a vital part in this operation.
‘Our staff in the council, in the Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, and our leisure trust ANGUSAlive, have all gone above and beyond, facing challenges on an unprecedented scale.
‘I would also like to reassure the residents of Angus, who have shown such community spirit, that their care and support is our absolute priority, particularly those who are displaced.
‘We are now firmly focused on making a full recovery, and this work has already started.’
Flooding in Retford, Nottinghamshire, is pictured yesterday after Storm Babet battered the UK
Flooded fields around the River Lugg near Leominster in Herefordshire yesterday
About 1,250 homes across England have been flooded – including in Retford, Nottinghamshire
Flooding at Retford in Nottinghamshire yesterday, after Storm Babet battered the UK
A road closure sign due to flooding in Powys in Wales after Storm Babet hit Britain
A couple and their dog are rescued by a coastguard team in Brechin, Angus, last Friday
First Minister Humza Yousaf visited Brechin, Angus – pictured after flooding last Friday
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on the Government to end the ‘never-ending cycle’ of flooding, following the damage wrought by the storm.
Speaking to broadcasters in Port Talbot today, he said: ‘My heart goes out to all those that are affected by this. We have seen the terrible scenes of floods, we know the impact that that has, we know the onward impact that will have on insurance premiums, etc, huge cause of concern for families affected by this.
‘This is not the first time, this happens almost every year. We have been saying to the Government for a long time now, you need a proper prevention strategy.
‘Yes, we need to clean up, yes, we need to put the help in for the individuals and families affected.
‘But, above all else, we need a Government with a strategy, a prevention strategy, to make sure we are not continually in this cycle, this never-ending cycle, that affects people so deeply.’
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