Emergency services in Cornwall are dealing with incidents of flooding in western parts of the county. Due to heavy rainfall overnight areas of St Austell and St Blazey are impassable and people have been trapped in their cars and homes.
Members of HM Coastguard and Search and Rescue helicopters were used throughout the night to monitor the situation but have since been stood down.
Police have declared the flooding as a “major incident” and are working together with Cornwall Fire and Rescue and local authorities.
The rain has now stopped but there is still very deep flood water in certain areas.
Many roads have been affected and people are advised not to undertake any journeys through flooded areas. The main train lines that run through the area have been closed off due to landslides and the main roads and schools in the area are closed.
Fortunately there have been no reported casualties so far and we all hope that it stays this
way. Hopefully the flood waters can be dispersed very soon, the total damage can be assessed and then the rebuilding task can begin for all of the people affected.
Hopefully after the Boscastle disaster lessons have been learnt by the Council and insurance companies and the people affected will have their damaged homes fixed quickly, especially as we are now approaching Christmas and also the coldest parts of the year.
Cornwall Council has offered the following advice if you or someone you know is affected by these terrible conditions.
- Move pets, food, valuables and important documents to safety.
- Be prepared to evacuate your home
- Collect things you need for evacuation
- Protect yourself, your family and help others.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so.
- Stay in a high place with a means of escape.
- Avoid electricity sources.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood water.
- In danger call 999 immediately.
- Listen to emergency services.
- Keep listening to weather reports.
- Only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it is safe.
- Beware sharp objects and pollution in flood water.
- If your property or belongings are damaged, contact your insurance company. Ask their advice before starting to clean up.
** Archived November 2010 **
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