Herefordshire flooding response

[Hereford Voice]

Public advised not to put themselves at unnecessary risk.

Rescue teams along Hinton Road, photograph courtesy of Herefordshire Council

Herefordshire continues to experience significant and widespread flooding from rising river levels and deep surface flooding. There is currently a severe flood warning, meaning danger to life, for the River Wye at Blackmarston. Residents have been evacuated from the Hinton and Putson areas of Hereford city and we expect river levels to remain high over the next couple of days. We are closely monitoring the situation. 

There is potential risk of further and significant flooding over the next few days in Greyfriars and Hampton Bishop in Herefordshire. The River Wye at Ross-on-Wye is expected to peak tomorrow (Tuesday 18 February) with risk of further flooding at Ross and at Symonds Yat. Residents in these areas are advised to activate any property flood protection products they may have, such as flood barriers and air brick covers and have a bag ready with vital items like medicines and insurance documents.

All partners are working together to keep people safe and plans have been put in place for the coming days. Emergency response partners including Herefordshire Council, West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Environment Agency and health partners are working to support residents and protect the most vulnerable. We are concentrating our efforts to ensure vulnerable residents are evacuated where needed and rest centres are being set up for any residents that need to be evacuated at:

Holmer Leisure Centre, Holmer Road, Hereford

thePoint4, Venns Lane, Hereford

Leominster Leisure Centre, Coningsby Road, Leominster

Larruperz Centre, Grammar School Close, Ross-on-Wye

Further rest centres will be made available as required.

The multi-agency lead, Superintendent Sue Thomas said:

“The safety of residents is our priority. The river levels are unprecedented and we are doing everything we can to keep people safe- but we need the public to help the emergency services. Please do not put yourself at unnecessary risk - avoid any unnecessary travel and do not enter flood water. Also, please check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.”

Leader of Herefordshire Council, Councillor David Hitchiner said:

Quote

“We are grateful to our local community for stepping up at this time of need, offering help and support to residents and our emergency response teams, including council officers- who have been working day and night. Herefordshire has never seen flooding like it and together with partners, we are doing all we can to ensure residents are safe. Thanks also to the local community groups who are opening their doors to residents who need localised shelter and support. Please keep checking the Herefordshire Council website for the latest information.”

Please do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Many roads are closed and impassable so please respect any road closures and diversions as they are in place to keep you safe. Please do not venture close to swollen rivers or floodwater and follow official flood advice.

Herefordshire Council is co-ordinating all official information such as road closures, live updates and messages from partner agencies. Follow @HfdsCouncil on Facebook and Twitter or www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Please do not enter flood water or put yourself at unnecessary risk. If your home has been flooded and there is no threat to life, dial 01432 260000. If you are in danger, always call 999.

 

[H.Wilson]

This must be so devastating for the people who's homes have been flooded