Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes as flooding hit many parts of Greater Manchester on New Year’s Day.
Downpours which began on New Year’s Eve instigated 90 flood warnings – with 16 remaining in place early this morning including for the River Mersey.
Emergency services declared a major incident as hundreds of people had to be rescued from cut-off buildings, including a block of flats at Stockport’s Meadow Mill. ing we have assisted the evacuation of several residents at a block of flats at Meadow Mill. A council refuge centre is at Holdsworth Mill in Reddish.
Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service assisted council staff in safely evacuating 445 people including residents and members of staff from Britannia Country House Hotel in south Manchester. Those displaced are being supported by the local authority.
Flooding left cars stranded in several parts of Salford and Stockport, with water entering people’s properties in Cheadle.
Even Factory nightclub, on Princess Street, was forced to evacuate the building due to flooding, as revellers celebrated the New Year at 1.15am.
Flood waters also impacted many service across the major trans-Pennine routes. Rail travellers were advised to delay journeys.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have been working closely with the police, fire service and Environment Agency through the night to monitor water levels across the city – and provide support and guidance to our residents who might be affected. Some residents have been asked to evacuate where the Environment Agency has issued flood warnings, and these residents have been contacted directly and supported.
“Thankfully we are seeing signs that water levels are beginning to fall, and it is unlikely that further evacuations will be necessary. However, water levels will continue to be monitored over the coming hours.
“We would ask anyone who is travelling today to take extra care and check the TfGM website for the latest updates and advice. And you can find information about what to do if your area is at risk of flooding on the council’s website.
“I would like to thank our emergency services colleagues – alongside council staff – for their efforts overnight and today in keeping Manchester residents safe.”
Chief superintendent Colette Rose said: “We are continuing to monitor the whole of Greater Manchester as we look to co-ordinate the emergency response involving a variety of services.
“Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been key to this to ensure we can keep those people and communities safe after the severe weather we have had.
“Thankfully, due to the efforts of all involved so far no one has been seriously injured or come to harm and would like to thank members of the public for their continued co-operation especially around the road closures in place and looking out for each other.
“Anyone still affected should continue to check the relevant detail being shared by their local council, the fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure they can get the support available that may be needed.”
A yellow Met Office weather warning for ice is also in force, with temperatures only reaching around 3C today.
