Twenty evacuated as Exe floods homes

Marc Astley
Authored by Marc Astley
Posted Sunday, December 23, 2012 - 12:58pm

Twenty people have been evacuated by emergency services in Stoke Canon near Exeter, after the River Exe burst its banks.

 

Devon County Council has opened a rest centre at County Hall which is being managed by Exeter City Council Housing officers with City Council volunteers and the St John Ambulance.

Meanwhile, sandbags were being placed along Exeter Quay in an attempt to protect properties and businesses.

The high river levels follow the persistent rain over the weekend which have left the ground saturated.

However, road conditions are improving according to Devon County Council, although some do remain impassable.

Highways teams and social care staff remain on alert to respond to potential flooding and other emergency incidents this evening and into Christmas Eve.

With further rain expected this evening and into tomorrow (Monday 24 December), Devon County Council is still asking residents to remain vigilant and careful on the county’s roads.

Motorists are advised not to drive through flood water or fords with heightened flows because they could put their lives in danger, or the lives of others who may have to rescue them.

Also the wash created through driving through flood water can have devastating effect on properties. Driving at night in these conditions can be especially hazardous as some storm damage or floods are not readily visible.

Listen and take head of weather forecast and drive appropriate for the conditions. Don’t drive too fast and remember increased braking distances. Driver should also be aware that problems on minor roads may not be brought to the attention of the highways teams or the emergency services straight away, so are advised to travel carefully.

Devon County Council’s Highways Teams are working with colleagues at the Met Office and the Environment Agency to monitor the situation over the coming days, and are ready to respond to emergencies.

Met Office weather warnings for the South West are issued online here –http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/sw/sw_forecast_warnings.html

Further information and advice about the weather, including the details of agencies involved in dealing with the impacts of severe weather, can be found on the Met Office website here –http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/links.html

The Environment Agency flood warnings for the South West are online here – http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/34678.aspx?ty...

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