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| Version 16 | Version 17 |
|---|---|
| Storm Desmond: army deployed to rescue stranded as flood defences fail – as it happened | Storm Desmond: army deployed to rescue stranded as flood defences fail – as it happened |
| (5 days later) | |
| 5.43pm GMT | 5.43pm GMT |
| 17:43 | 17:43 |
| Aisha Gani's evening summary | Aisha Gani's evening summary |
| Aisha Gani | Aisha Gani |
| Part of a street has been torn away by swollen river, bridges have collapsed and almost 60,000 people in the North have been left without power. | Part of a street has been torn away by swollen river, bridges have collapsed and almost 60,000 people in the North have been left without power. |
| Train services will be down at the beginning of the week and the government has called an emergency COBRA meeting this morning to deal with the chaos from Storm Desmond that swept across Britain this weekend. | Train services will be down at the beginning of the week and the government has called an emergency COBRA meeting this morning to deal with the chaos from Storm Desmond that swept across Britain this weekend. |
| Severe weather warning for rain has been issued. Stay #WeatherAware at https://t.co/LohpJi9n9A pic.twitter.com/I6ZpcVAmy1 | Severe weather warning for rain has been issued. Stay #WeatherAware at https://t.co/LohpJi9n9A pic.twitter.com/I6ZpcVAmy1 |
| Here’s what else happened today: | Here’s what else happened today: |
| Thanks for following the Guardian’s Storm Desmond live updates. You can continue to update me on twitter – @aishagani. | Thanks for following the Guardian’s Storm Desmond live updates. You can continue to update me on twitter – @aishagani. |
| The flood warning line is: 0345 988 1188 | The flood warning line is: 0345 988 1188 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.05am GMT | at 9.05am GMT |
| 5.20pm GMT | 5.20pm GMT |
| 17:20 | 17:20 |
| My colleague Helen Pidd, the Guardian’s north of England editor, sent this dispatch from Lancaster: | My colleague Helen Pidd, the Guardian’s north of England editor, sent this dispatch from Lancaster: |
| Army trucks have been stationed at a hospital in Lancaster to act as ambulances after flooding cut the city off from the power grid and blocked all but one access route. | Army trucks have been stationed at a hospital in Lancaster to act as ambulances after flooding cut the city off from the power grid and blocked all but one access route. |
| The Royal Lancaster infirmary (RLI) is running on generator power after an electricity substation flooded, cutting electricity to 55,000 homes and businesses in Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and the surrounding areas. | The Royal Lancaster infirmary (RLI) is running on generator power after an electricity substation flooded, cutting electricity to 55,000 homes and businesses in Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and the surrounding areas. |
| Outside the hospital’s A&E department, troops from a battalion at Weeton barracks, near Blackpool, were on standby to pick up seriously ill patients in camouflage trucks if normal ambulances were unable to. | Outside the hospital’s A&E department, troops from a battalion at Weeton barracks, near Blackpool, were on standby to pick up seriously ill patients in camouflage trucks if normal ambulances were unable to. |
| On Sunday morning, soldiers moved one woman in a coma from the Victoria hospital in Morecambe to the RLI, after all the road bridges over the river Lune between Morecambe and Lancaster were shut due to flood damage. Currently the only way to cross between the two towns is via the Carlisle footbridge or a long detour on the M6. | On Sunday morning, soldiers moved one woman in a coma from the Victoria hospital in Morecambe to the RLI, after all the road bridges over the river Lune between Morecambe and Lancaster were shut due to flood damage. Currently the only way to cross between the two towns is via the Carlisle footbridge or a long detour on the M6. |
| One fella was cooking scrambled eggs on a camping stove outside his home in Lancaster; long queues for pay phones pic.twitter.com/LEi4UEsQCv | One fella was cooking scrambled eggs on a camping stove outside his home in Lancaster; long queues for pay phones pic.twitter.com/LEi4UEsQCv |
| Her report continues: | Her report continues: |
| A crowd had gathered outside Sainsbury’s by the river Lune where staff were handing out free baps and loaves of bread. James Melody, 20, and his girlfriend Esme Moxley, also 20, were happy to have got their hands on one brown loaf. “It’s so weird to see people using phoneboxes. I wouldn’t know how,” said Melody. | A crowd had gathered outside Sainsbury’s by the river Lune where staff were handing out free baps and loaves of bread. James Melody, 20, and his girlfriend Esme Moxley, also 20, were happy to have got their hands on one brown loaf. “It’s so weird to see people using phoneboxes. I wouldn’t know how,” said Melody. |
| Sainsbury's in Lancaster was giving out free loaves of bread today, as the city told no electricity before Tuesday pic.twitter.com/KYZQaqOStG | Sainsbury's in Lancaster was giving out free loaves of bread today, as the city told no electricity before Tuesday pic.twitter.com/KYZQaqOStG |
| I think the only time I’ve used one was when I was little, to do prank phone calls,” said Moxley, who was wondering how she would get back to her home in Leeds, with no trains running north of Preston. | I think the only time I’ve used one was when I was little, to do prank phone calls,” said Moxley, who was wondering how she would get back to her home in Leeds, with no trains running north of Preston. |
| Elsewhere, the blitz spirit reigned. Outside his house on Greaves Road, teacher Piers Napper was cooking scrambled eggs on a camping stove. “I rescued it from the garage in the dark this morning,” he said. “We’re hoping the gas will last until we get power back.” | Elsewhere, the blitz spirit reigned. Outside his house on Greaves Road, teacher Piers Napper was cooking scrambled eggs on a camping stove. “I rescued it from the garage in the dark this morning,” he said. “We’re hoping the gas will last until we get power back.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.30pm GMT | at 5.30pm GMT |
| 5.15pm GMT | 5.15pm GMT |
| 17:15 | 17:15 |
| The Scottish government’s resilience committee met for a third time on Sunday to assess the impact of the flooding, the Press Association reports. | The Scottish government’s resilience committee met for a third time on Sunday to assess the impact of the flooding, the Press Association reports. |
| John Swinney, deputy first minister, said: | John Swinney, deputy first minister, said: |
| Over the last 24 hours, Scotland has faced torrential rain and severe winds. This has been most acute in the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Tayside, where some residents were evacuated and we know there has been some damage to property and infrastructure. | Over the last 24 hours, Scotland has faced torrential rain and severe winds. This has been most acute in the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Tayside, where some residents were evacuated and we know there has been some damage to property and infrastructure. |
| Experts will be at affected sites throughout the day, assessing damage and beginning repairs, Swinney said, adding: | Experts will be at affected sites throughout the day, assessing damage and beginning repairs, Swinney said, adding: |
| However, although water levels are dropping, they remain very high and continued vigilance is needed. These water levels can in themselves be dangerous so I continue to urge people to pay heed to road closures and weather warnings, as well as any local advice provided by police or the fire service. | However, although water levels are dropping, they remain very high and continued vigilance is needed. These water levels can in themselves be dangerous so I continue to urge people to pay heed to road closures and weather warnings, as well as any local advice provided by police or the fire service. |
| Marc Becker, hydrology duty manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: | Marc Becker, hydrology duty manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: |
| This has been a particularly severe event with multiple parts of Scotland feeling the impacts of flooding. The outlook is improving, rivers have peaked and will be falling back through the rest of the day, giving us some respite. | This has been a particularly severe event with multiple parts of Scotland feeling the impacts of flooding. The outlook is improving, rivers have peaked and will be falling back through the rest of the day, giving us some respite. |
| “However, the impact of flooding with be with us for a while yet, although we’re moving into a recovery phase. Areas of standing water will persist and so anyone travelling will need to remain vigilant. | “However, the impact of flooding with be with us for a while yet, although we’re moving into a recovery phase. Areas of standing water will persist and so anyone travelling will need to remain vigilant. |
| Becker confirmed the latest severe weather event has seen some of the highest river flows for a considerable period of time: | Becker confirmed the latest severe weather event has seen some of the highest river flows for a considerable period of time: |
| The river Tay at Perth peaked at levels not seen since 2006 and the Teviot at Hawick was the second highest in 30 years of record. The Teith at Callander was the second-highest in a 45 year record. The team at SEPA are continuing to monitor the situation and watching river levels closely. | The river Tay at Perth peaked at levels not seen since 2006 and the Teviot at Hawick was the second highest in 30 years of record. The Teith at Callander was the second-highest in a 45 year record. The team at SEPA are continuing to monitor the situation and watching river levels closely. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.31pm GMT | at 5.31pm GMT |
| 5.11pm GMT | 5.11pm GMT |
| 17:11 | 17:11 |
| More rain on the way for flood-hit areas in Scotland | More rain on the way for flood-hit areas in Scotland |
| Forecasters warn that more rain is on the way in Scotland. Although a rare red weather alert that was in place for the region has been lifted, flood warnings remain for parts of the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. | Forecasters warn that more rain is on the way in Scotland. Although a rare red weather alert that was in place for the region has been lifted, flood warnings remain for parts of the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. |
| The Met Office is now warning of more rain this week with yellow weather alerts covering Tayside, Fife, Stratchclyde, the Borders and south west Scotland until Thursday. | The Met Office is now warning of more rain this week with yellow weather alerts covering Tayside, Fife, Stratchclyde, the Borders and south west Scotland until Thursday. |
| A spokesman said: | A spokesman said: |
| A spell of persistent rain, heavy at times, is expect to affect parts of Scotland, northwestern England and Wales from Monday late afternoon or early evening onwards into Monday night. | A spell of persistent rain, heavy at times, is expect to affect parts of Scotland, northwestern England and Wales from Monday late afternoon or early evening onwards into Monday night. |
| The spokesman added while the rain will neither be as heavy nor as prolonged as recent rain, “please be aware that in view of the saturated nature of the ground and high river levels further localised flooding and disruption to transport is possible.” | The spokesman added while the rain will neither be as heavy nor as prolonged as recent rain, “please be aware that in view of the saturated nature of the ground and high river levels further localised flooding and disruption to transport is possible.” |
| 5.04pm GMT | 5.04pm GMT |
| 17:04 | 17:04 |
| Friends of the Earth, a green campaign group, said in statement the devastating floods that have hit parts of the UK highlight the urgent need to boost defences and tackle climate change. | Friends of the Earth, a green campaign group, said in statement the devastating floods that have hit parts of the UK highlight the urgent need to boost defences and tackle climate change. |
| Guy Shrubsole, Friends of the Earth climate campaigner, said: | Guy Shrubsole, Friends of the Earth climate campaigner, said: |
| As climate negotiators fiddle in Paris, Britain floods. | As climate negotiators fiddle in Paris, Britain floods. |
| Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme rainfall and floods in the UK and around the world. | Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme rainfall and floods in the UK and around the world. |
| Yet the UK government is failing to protect us by not investing enough in flood defences and cutting support for the clean energy needed to tackle climate change. | Yet the UK government is failing to protect us by not investing enough in flood defences and cutting support for the clean energy needed to tackle climate change. |
| He urged the prime minister to take action and said: | He urged the prime minister to take action and said: |
| David Cameron must safeguard our security by bringing down emissions - and help poorer nations cope with increasingly extreme weather. | David Cameron must safeguard our security by bringing down emissions - and help poorer nations cope with increasingly extreme weather. |
| Their call for action on climate change comes ahead of next week’s final week of negotiations at the UN Climate Summit in Paris. | Their call for action on climate change comes ahead of next week’s final week of negotiations at the UN Climate Summit in Paris. |
| 4.32pm GMT | 4.32pm GMT |
| 16:32 | 16:32 |
| Residents in northern England today woke up to wide-spread flooding after Storm Desmond wreaked chaos with strong winds and heavy rain overnight. | Residents in northern England today woke up to wide-spread flooding after Storm Desmond wreaked chaos with strong winds and heavy rain overnight. |
| Thousands of homes have been flooded and left without electricity, causing the army to be drafted in and residents to be rescued and transported to safety. Here’s the latest Guardian video: | Thousands of homes have been flooded and left without electricity, causing the army to be drafted in and residents to be rescued and transported to safety. Here’s the latest Guardian video: |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.01pm GMT | at 5.01pm GMT |
| 4.28pm GMT | 4.28pm GMT |
| 16:28 | 16:28 |
| UK flood-hit areas | UK flood-hit areas |
| Here is a graphic from our visuals team that shows the worst affected flood areas this weekend and compared to 2009: | Here is a graphic from our visuals team that shows the worst affected flood areas this weekend and compared to 2009: |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.00pm GMT | at 5.00pm GMT |
| 4.16pm GMT | 4.16pm GMT |
| 16:16 | 16:16 |
| In his latest dispatch my colleague Mike Glover writes: | In his latest dispatch my colleague Mike Glover writes: |
| A bridge which carries the A592 over the northern end of Ullswater at Pooley Bridge collapsed, cutting another main route through Cumbria. | A bridge which carries the A592 over the northern end of Ullswater at Pooley Bridge collapsed, cutting another main route through Cumbria. |
| Hospitals at Lancaster and Carlisle have both lost power and are running on generators, which should last a few days. | Hospitals at Lancaster and Carlisle have both lost power and are running on generators, which should last a few days. |
| Cumbria police, military, fire service, ambulance service and other agencies were continuing to treat Carlisle as a priority location in the county to warn and inform people of the situation regarding the flooded areas. | Cumbria police, military, fire service, ambulance service and other agencies were continuing to treat Carlisle as a priority location in the county to warn and inform people of the situation regarding the flooded areas. |
| Properties remain under water in Carlisle, especially in the east of the city, which has been significantly affected. A limited supply of sandbags are available from the corner of Lismore Street and Aglionby Street for people to collect. | Properties remain under water in Carlisle, especially in the east of the city, which has been significantly affected. A limited supply of sandbags are available from the corner of Lismore Street and Aglionby Street for people to collect. |
| A priority for all agencies continues to be protecting the two substations in Carlisle. Over 4,000 properties are still without electricity and all areas in Carlisle are at significant risk of losing power. | A priority for all agencies continues to be protecting the two substations in Carlisle. Over 4,000 properties are still without electricity and all areas in Carlisle are at significant risk of losing power. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.27pm GMT | at 4.27pm GMT |
| 4.15pm GMT | 4.15pm GMT |
| 16:15 | 16:15 |
| Fears for elderly man believed to have fallen in Cumbria river | Fears for elderly man believed to have fallen in Cumbria river |
| Fears are growing over the safety of an elderly man who police believe fell into a swollen river in Cumbria, in an incident we reported earlier. | Fears are growing over the safety of an elderly man who police believe fell into a swollen river in Cumbria, in an incident we reported earlier. |
| Police are awaiting the arrival of the underwater search team to assist them with the search, local media has reported. | Police are awaiting the arrival of the underwater search team to assist them with the search, local media has reported. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.22pm GMT | at 4.22pm GMT |
| 4.01pm GMT | 4.01pm GMT |
| 16:01 | 16:01 |
| More on the Army being drafted in: About 350 army personnel have been made available from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based in Weeton barracks near Preston, to assist with the general flooding response since the early hours. | More on the Army being drafted in: About 350 army personnel have been made available from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based in Weeton barracks near Preston, to assist with the general flooding response since the early hours. |
| They arrived with two vehicles to help evacuate and warn residents in Carlisle – and also sent a Chinook helicopter to move high-velocity pumping equipment needed to attend to an electricity substation. Streets near to where the river Petteril flows into the river Eden, close to the centre of Carlisle, had flooded as the tide came in and added to already torrential rainfall. | They arrived with two vehicles to help evacuate and warn residents in Carlisle – and also sent a Chinook helicopter to move high-velocity pumping equipment needed to attend to an electricity substation. Streets near to where the river Petteril flows into the river Eden, close to the centre of Carlisle, had flooded as the tide came in and added to already torrential rainfall. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.07pm GMT | at 4.07pm GMT |
| 4.00pm GMT | 4.00pm GMT |
| 16:00 | 16:00 |
| David Wildridge, his wife Melanie and children Maddie, 11, and Ayden, nine – carrying his teddy bear, had grabbed a few bags and their dog, Fletch, before being rescued by boat from their home in the centre of Carlisle, the Press Association reports. | David Wildridge, his wife Melanie and children Maddie, 11, and Ayden, nine – carrying his teddy bear, had grabbed a few bags and their dog, Fletch, before being rescued by boat from their home in the centre of Carlisle, the Press Association reports. |
| Wildridge said emergency services were worried about a crack in a join between a flood defence wall and a bridge over the river Eden close to their home. | Wildridge said emergency services were worried about a crack in a join between a flood defence wall and a bridge over the river Eden close to their home. |
| He said: | He said: |
| Our house is one of the last ones on the list, we’ve been taken away in the last half hour. We live very near to the bridge and the flood water in the house came up through the floor, about a foot of water. There’s nothing you can do about it. We just took the advice of the rescuers and left. | Our house is one of the last ones on the list, we’ve been taken away in the last half hour. We live very near to the bridge and the flood water in the house came up through the floor, about a foot of water. There’s nothing you can do about it. We just took the advice of the rescuers and left. |
| Peter Brown had to leave his flooded house in the early hours of Sunday morning with his daughter, Rebecca, 15. | Peter Brown had to leave his flooded house in the early hours of Sunday morning with his daughter, Rebecca, 15. |
| Brown, a lorry driver, said: | Brown, a lorry driver, said: |
| We got a knock on the door at 5.45am saying we will have to evacuate the premises. | We got a knock on the door at 5.45am saying we will have to evacuate the premises. |
| I literally grabbed a few things, put valuables upstairs. You just watch while your house gets submerged. | I literally grabbed a few things, put valuables upstairs. You just watch while your house gets submerged. |
| We were going to put Christmas decorations up last night but I was too tired from work. | We were going to put Christmas decorations up last night but I was too tired from work. |
| My living room and staircase is now under water. | My living room and staircase is now under water. |
| We could watch the water creeping higher up the street until it got to our house. | We could watch the water creeping higher up the street until it got to our house. |
| I think if it wasn’t for the flood defences it could have been a lot worse. | I think if it wasn’t for the flood defences it could have been a lot worse. |
| The amount of rainfall we have had is something like two months in the space of four hours. | The amount of rainfall we have had is something like two months in the space of four hours. |
| Robert Reid, a sergeant in a junior army cadet organisation, had opened up their small hut near Warwick Road about 1am to serve cups of tea and soup to some 25 residents who had been evacuated throughout the night. | Robert Reid, a sergeant in a junior army cadet organisation, had opened up their small hut near Warwick Road about 1am to serve cups of tea and soup to some 25 residents who had been evacuated throughout the night. |
| Reid said: | Reid said: |
| The chopper was up and the police sirens were blaring, they were going to houses getting people out. | The chopper was up and the police sirens were blaring, they were going to houses getting people out. |
| He said some people were tearful and children were “hysterical” at having to leave their homes. | He said some people were tearful and children were “hysterical” at having to leave their homes. |
| It’s a devastating time to be flooded. It’s 6 December, 19 days to Christmas and a lot of people have just lost their homes. They are devastated. | It’s a devastating time to be flooded. It’s 6 December, 19 days to Christmas and a lot of people have just lost their homes. They are devastated. |
| We just gave them tea and somewhere dry and warm and we were donated sandwiches by a local resident. | We just gave them tea and somewhere dry and warm and we were donated sandwiches by a local resident. |
| It’s nice to see the local community coming together, people are donating tea and coffee and cup-a-soups. | It’s nice to see the local community coming together, people are donating tea and coffee and cup-a-soups. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.10pm GMT | at 4.10pm GMT |
| 3.47pm GMT | 3.47pm GMT |
| 15:47 | 15:47 |
| Planned power outage in Carlisle | Planned power outage in Carlisle |
| Electricity North West, the electricity distributors, has said in its latest update there will be planned power outages scheduled for Carlisle due to severe flooding. | Electricity North West, the electricity distributors, has said in its latest update there will be planned power outages scheduled for Carlisle due to severe flooding. |
| The planned power cuts in Carlisle will happen at about 4pm today to “prevent 60,000 customers from losing power at once”. | The planned power cuts in Carlisle will happen at about 4pm today to “prevent 60,000 customers from losing power at once”. |
| The region’s network operator is removing supplies to 5,000 customers at a time for up to three hours, Electricity North West said. | The region’s network operator is removing supplies to 5,000 customers at a time for up to three hours, Electricity North West said. |
| Chris Fox, systems manager, said: | Chris Fox, systems manager, said: |
| It is essential that we remove power to customers for a short period of time to prevent 60,000 customers being without power for a long period. | It is essential that we remove power to customers for a short period of time to prevent 60,000 customers being without power for a long period. |
| We tried everything we could to protect Carlisle, but unfortunately this is an unprecedented flooding event. | We tried everything we could to protect Carlisle, but unfortunately this is an unprecedented flooding event. |
| We've restored power to 13,000 customers since #StormDesmond hit and here's the latest updates on customer numbers pic.twitter.com/iF2kLq4DuV | We've restored power to 13,000 customers since #StormDesmond hit and here's the latest updates on customer numbers pic.twitter.com/iF2kLq4DuV |
| He added 55,000 customers are still without power in Lancaster after flood defences that were upgraded in 2010 to withstand a “one in 100 years” flood were breached just before 11pm on Saturday. | He added 55,000 customers are still without power in Lancaster after flood defences that were upgraded in 2010 to withstand a “one in 100 years” flood were breached just before 11pm on Saturday. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.12pm GMT | at 4.12pm GMT |
| 3.37pm GMT | 3.37pm GMT |
| 15:37 | 15:37 |
| Emergency services in the north of England are becoming increasingly stretched, the Press Association reports. Soldiers have been deployed to support local emergency services by helping to move people from their homes in streets where cars have been almost entirely submerged. | Emergency services in the north of England are becoming increasingly stretched, the Press Association reports. Soldiers have been deployed to support local emergency services by helping to move people from their homes in streets where cars have been almost entirely submerged. |
| West Midlands fire service has also sent firefighters and specialist equipment to the county and its control room staff are helping to answer the high number of calls from their Birmingham office. | West Midlands fire service has also sent firefighters and specialist equipment to the county and its control room staff are helping to answer the high number of calls from their Birmingham office. |
| There will be a lot of soggy biscuits as a leading biscuit manufacturer, the Carlisle United Biscuits factory, is believed to be flooded to a depth of 5ft – on par with levels reached during major floods in 2005 – and employees are being told to stay home until further notice. | There will be a lot of soggy biscuits as a leading biscuit manufacturer, the Carlisle United Biscuits factory, is believed to be flooded to a depth of 5ft – on par with levels reached during major floods in 2005 – and employees are being told to stay home until further notice. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.14pm GMT | at 4.14pm GMT |
| 3.30pm GMT | 3.30pm GMT |
| 15:30 | 15:30 |
| Rory Stewart, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister, said flooding in his constituency has been “the worst that anybody’s experienced” and acknowledged water had “overtopped” existing flood defences. | Rory Stewart, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs minister, said flooding in his constituency has been “the worst that anybody’s experienced” and acknowledged water had “overtopped” existing flood defences. |
| He told BBC Radio 4’s The World This Weekend: | He told BBC Radio 4’s The World This Weekend: |
| We’re going to look very, very carefully at all the defences up and down Cumbria for exactly that reason. This is a very extreme and unprecedented event, early indications suggest we’ve passed the UK record on rainfall in Cumbria. | We’re going to look very, very carefully at all the defences up and down Cumbria for exactly that reason. This is a very extreme and unprecedented event, early indications suggest we’ve passed the UK record on rainfall in Cumbria. |
| Stewart, also the Tory MP for Penrith and the Border, said people in the area had shown “incredible community spirit” in the face of the rainfall. | Stewart, also the Tory MP for Penrith and the Border, said people in the area had shown “incredible community spirit” in the face of the rainfall. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.15pm GMT | at 4.15pm GMT |
| 3.20pm GMT | 3.20pm GMT |
| 15:20 | 15:20 |
| More rainfall is forecast tomorrow in Cumbria, which had some of the most affected areas in the UK this weekend: | More rainfall is forecast tomorrow in Cumbria, which had some of the most affected areas in the UK this weekend: |
| More rain for #Cumbria Monday night, many rivers will be past their flood peak. Keep in touch with forecasts. CF pic.twitter.com/zRh1A4BVTE | More rain for #Cumbria Monday night, many rivers will be past their flood peak. Keep in touch with forecasts. CF pic.twitter.com/zRh1A4BVTE |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.16pm GMT | at 4.16pm GMT |
| 3.14pm GMT | 3.14pm GMT |
| 15:14 | 15:14 |
| The severe flood warning in Hawick (Teviot), in Scotland remains, although there are reports the situation has been improving today. | The severe flood warning in Hawick (Teviot), in Scotland remains, although there are reports the situation has been improving today. |
| Marc Becker, duty hydrology manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: | Marc Becker, duty hydrology manager at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: |
| We are particularly concerned that the flooding situation will deteriorate further this evening in Tayside and particularly the south-west of Scotland and the Borders. | We are particularly concerned that the flooding situation will deteriorate further this evening in Tayside and particularly the south-west of Scotland and the Borders. |
| He added: | He added: |
| The risk to communities in Hawick and Newcastleton are such that Sepa, in discussion with emergency responders, have issued severe flood warnings for both towns. Impacts will include widespread property flooding, evacuations, damage to infrastructure and severe transport disruption. | The risk to communities in Hawick and Newcastleton are such that Sepa, in discussion with emergency responders, have issued severe flood warnings for both towns. Impacts will include widespread property flooding, evacuations, damage to infrastructure and severe transport disruption. |
| River levels are currently falling on the river Teviot but will remain high, while no significant rainfall is forecast during Sunday. | River levels are currently falling on the river Teviot but will remain high, while no significant rainfall is forecast during Sunday. |
| Low-lying properties and businesses along the Teviot remain at risk. Many roads will be impassable in and around Hawick and standing water on roads may lead to difficult driving conditions. | Low-lying properties and businesses along the Teviot remain at risk. Many roads will be impassable in and around Hawick and standing water on roads may lead to difficult driving conditions. |
| The Sepa website advises: | The Sepa website advises: |
| Stay away from flood water and do not take unnecessary risks. If you are affected or concerned about flooding please contact the emergency services. Please follow any advice provided by the emergency services. | Stay away from flood water and do not take unnecessary risks. If you are affected or concerned about flooding please contact the emergency services. Please follow any advice provided by the emergency services. |
| Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188. | Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.20pm GMT | at 4.20pm GMT |
| 2.57pm GMT | 2.57pm GMT |
| 14:57 | 14:57 |
| Upturned cars, flooded streets and driving rain: here’s our gallery of Storm Desmond photos: | Upturned cars, flooded streets and driving rain: here’s our gallery of Storm Desmond photos: |
| Related: Storm Desmond - in pictures | Related: Storm Desmond - in pictures |
| 2.49pm GMT | 2.49pm GMT |
| 14:49 | 14:49 |
| Forecaster the Met Office has the latest on the places with the heaviest rainfall in the country. | Forecaster the Met Office has the latest on the places with the heaviest rainfall in the country. |
| Shap, in Cumbria, had over 262mm rainfall in the last 48 hours: | Shap, in Cumbria, had over 262mm rainfall in the last 48 hours: |
| Latest 48-hour rainfall totals following #StormDesmond pic.twitter.com/wo8I9JbRTY | Latest 48-hour rainfall totals following #StormDesmond pic.twitter.com/wo8I9JbRTY |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.01pm GMT | at 3.01pm GMT |
| 2.46pm GMT | 2.46pm GMT |
| 14:46 | 14:46 |
| My colleague Mike Glover reports that although waters are receding, police are warning people against trying to get into their flooded homes. | My colleague Mike Glover reports that although waters are receding, police are warning people against trying to get into their flooded homes. |
| He sends this dispatch: | He sends this dispatch: |
| A police spokesman said: | A police spokesman said: |
| Water still remains covering Cockermouth Main Street and the streets towards the river Derwent. There is water over the Derwent Side Gardens, Wakefield Road and Gote Road areas. The water is anything from several inches to several feet deep. The area of St Leonard’s Lane is particularly affected. | Water still remains covering Cockermouth Main Street and the streets towards the river Derwent. There is water over the Derwent Side Gardens, Wakefield Road and Gote Road areas. The water is anything from several inches to several feet deep. The area of St Leonard’s Lane is particularly affected. |
| While in places the water isn’t particularly deep, the water within the whole of the flooded area is flowing very fast, police said. “As such there is a significant risk of people being swept off their feet even in water that is not very deep.” | While in places the water isn’t particularly deep, the water within the whole of the flooded area is flowing very fast, police said. “As such there is a significant risk of people being swept off their feet even in water that is not very deep.” |
| The spokesman added: | The spokesman added: |
| Both the police and the rescue services are aware that some residents still remain within the flooded areas. They are also aware that business and homeowners who have previously left the area are keen to check on their property. | Both the police and the rescue services are aware that some residents still remain within the flooded areas. They are also aware that business and homeowners who have previously left the area are keen to check on their property. |
| Inspector Craig Lory said: “The advice is not to return to the flooded areas at this stage. For residents still in their houses, in flooded areas, you are asked to remain in your houses and not to venture into the floods.” | Inspector Craig Lory said: “The advice is not to return to the flooded areas at this stage. For residents still in their houses, in flooded areas, you are asked to remain in your houses and not to venture into the floods.” |
| Lory urged people who need evacuating to call the emergency services or draw attention to themselves from within their houses, by shouting from windows and only venturing into places that are clearly safe. | Lory urged people who need evacuating to call the emergency services or draw attention to themselves from within their houses, by shouting from windows and only venturing into places that are clearly safe. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.00pm GMT | at 3.00pm GMT |
| 2.33pm GMT | 2.33pm GMT |
| 14:33 | 14:33 |
| About 350 soldiers have been made available from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based in Weeton barracks near Preston, to assist with the general flooding response since the early hours. | About 350 soldiers have been made available from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based in Weeton barracks near Preston, to assist with the general flooding response since the early hours. |
| They arrived with two vehicles to help evacuate and warn residents in Carlisle – and also sent a Chinook helicopter to move high-velocity pumping equipment needed to attend to an electricity substation. | They arrived with two vehicles to help evacuate and warn residents in Carlisle – and also sent a Chinook helicopter to move high-velocity pumping equipment needed to attend to an electricity substation. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.57pm GMT | at 2.57pm GMT |
| 1.36pm GMT | 1.36pm GMT |
| 13:36 | 13:36 |
| Lunchtime summary | Lunchtime summary |
| Aisha Gani | Aisha Gani |
| Here’s what we know: | Here’s what we know: |
| Charlotte Dacre - Cockermouth trout hotel this morning pic.twitter.com/H0nWm5O7Bq | Charlotte Dacre - Cockermouth trout hotel this morning pic.twitter.com/H0nWm5O7Bq |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.41pm GMT | at 2.41pm GMT |
| 1.10pm GMT | 1.10pm GMT |
| 13:10 | 13:10 |
| Here’s a Guardian video compilation of amateur footage that shows flooding caused by Storm Desmond in Cumbria and across Ireland on Saturday. | Here’s a Guardian video compilation of amateur footage that shows flooding caused by Storm Desmond in Cumbria and across Ireland on Saturday. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.21pm GMT | at 1.21pm GMT |
| 12.59pm GMT | 12.59pm GMT |
| 12:59 | 12:59 |
| Firefighters say "serious underfunding" is hampering flood response | Firefighters say "serious underfunding" is hampering flood response |
| As they respond to the devastation caused by Storm Desmond, firefighters have said “serious underfunding” is hampering their ability to respond to floods and other emergencies. | As they respond to the devastation caused by Storm Desmond, firefighters have said “serious underfunding” is hampering their ability to respond to floods and other emergencies. |
| The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that every fire and rescue service responding to the floods across northern England has seen unprecedented funding cuts over the past five years. | The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that every fire and rescue service responding to the floods across northern England has seen unprecedented funding cuts over the past five years. |
| Fire and rescue services in Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire, Tyne and Wear and North Yorkshire have all faced cuts and job losses, it was claimed. | Fire and rescue services in Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire, Tyne and Wear and North Yorkshire have all faced cuts and job losses, it was claimed. |
| The FBU said the ability of the fire and rescue service to respond to incidents over the weekend had been affected by the cuts and called on the prime minister to reverse them. | The FBU said the ability of the fire and rescue service to respond to incidents over the weekend had been affected by the cuts and called on the prime minister to reverse them. |
| Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, praised firefighters for their “fantastic work” in tackling the impact of the storm and the floods. He said firefighters had saved thousands of people from the dangers of flooding and they were central to efforts to protect livestock, industry and other private property. | Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, praised firefighters for their “fantastic work” in tackling the impact of the storm and the floods. He said firefighters had saved thousands of people from the dangers of flooding and they were central to efforts to protect livestock, industry and other private property. |
| He criticised Cameron for cutting services and said: | He criticised Cameron for cutting services and said: |
| David Cameron has tweeted his sympathy for the thousands of people affected by the storm. Yet our fire and rescue service is being cut to pieces and the prime minister turns a blind eye to the results. | David Cameron has tweeted his sympathy for the thousands of people affected by the storm. Yet our fire and rescue service is being cut to pieces and the prime minister turns a blind eye to the results. |
| Firefighters are responding to this emergency as they have been every time such storms and floods have hit the UK. | Firefighters are responding to this emergency as they have been every time such storms and floods have hit the UK. |
| David Cameron, on the eve of the 2010 general election, spoke at Carlisle fire station and promised to protect frontline public services. The reality has been the complete opposite. | David Cameron, on the eve of the 2010 general election, spoke at Carlisle fire station and promised to protect frontline public services. The reality has been the complete opposite. |
| The fire and rescue service is being cut to pieces. We urgently appeal to the prime minister to reverse the cuts to our emergency services.” | The fire and rescue service is being cut to pieces. We urgently appeal to the prime minister to reverse the cuts to our emergency services.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.09pm GMT | at 1.09pm GMT |
| 12.44pm GMT | 12.44pm GMT |
| 12:44 | 12:44 |
| Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, who was affected by the flooding, has called on the government to provide additional funding to affected areas to help deal with the aftermath of the floods. | Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, who was affected by the flooding, has called on the government to provide additional funding to affected areas to help deal with the aftermath of the floods. |
| Farron has said that the government must back up its commitment to the “northern powerhouse”, by providing the funds needed to repair flood damage. | Farron has said that the government must back up its commitment to the “northern powerhouse”, by providing the funds needed to repair flood damage. |
| In a letter to David Cameron, Farron said it is “essential that the government respond to this crisis in a fair and forward-thinking way, by making available the funds needed to repair the damage which the extreme flooding has caused in South Lakeland.” | In a letter to David Cameron, Farron said it is “essential that the government respond to this crisis in a fair and forward-thinking way, by making available the funds needed to repair the damage which the extreme flooding has caused in South Lakeland.” |
| He has also called on insurance companies to deal quickly with the claims arising from flood damage, to enable people to return to normality as soon as possible. | He has also called on insurance companies to deal quickly with the claims arising from flood damage, to enable people to return to normality as soon as possible. |
| He also said: | He also said: |
| It is heartbreaking to see the impact of flooding once more on local people. My thoughts are with all those whose homes and businesses have been flooded, and who have been forced to evacuate. | It is heartbreaking to see the impact of flooding once more on local people. My thoughts are with all those whose homes and businesses have been flooded, and who have been forced to evacuate. |
| There is now a major task ahead of us in terms of repairing the damage caused by these floods, and I am calling on the government to support us in this and make additional funds available. | There is now a major task ahead of us in terms of repairing the damage caused by these floods, and I am calling on the government to support us in this and make additional funds available. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.11pm GMT | at 1.11pm GMT |
| 12.37pm GMT | 12.37pm GMT |
| 12:37 | 12:37 |
| My colleague Mike Glover has sent me a report that emergency services and partner agencies are dealing with an incident at the river Kent in Kendal. | My colleague Mike Glover has sent me a report that emergency services and partner agencies are dealing with an incident at the river Kent in Kendal. |
| He writes: | He writes: |
| Police were called at 10.01am to Staveley Road, Kendal, with a report that an elderly male had fallen into the water. Emergency services are working hard to establish if anyone is in the water. | Police were called at 10.01am to Staveley Road, Kendal, with a report that an elderly male had fallen into the water. Emergency services are working hard to establish if anyone is in the water. |
| While the rain has mostly stopped, Cumbria police is reminding people people that river Kent levels are still high and major roads, including the A590 at Brettargh, remain closed. | While the rain has mostly stopped, Cumbria police is reminding people people that river Kent levels are still high and major roads, including the A590 at Brettargh, remain closed. |
| Thankfully river levels now dropped significantly, the huge clean up operation is underway.#kendal #CumbriaFloods pic.twitter.com/yuihhuknxn | Thankfully river levels now dropped significantly, the huge clean up operation is underway.#kendal #CumbriaFloods pic.twitter.com/yuihhuknxn |
| The force has said it has received reports of motorists removing closed road signs and has warned that driving through blocked routes or flood water is “extremely dangerous” and “likely to put lives at risk”. | The force has said it has received reports of motorists removing closed road signs and has warned that driving through blocked routes or flood water is “extremely dangerous” and “likely to put lives at risk”. |
| Rachel Greenbank, from Kendal, tweeted: | Rachel Greenbank, from Kendal, tweeted: |
| I've never seen anything like this in Kendal in my lifetime.This is a 20 second walk from our house.#flood #Kendal pic.twitter.com/AicnMvyR3Y | I've never seen anything like this in Kendal in my lifetime.This is a 20 second walk from our house.#flood #Kendal pic.twitter.com/AicnMvyR3Y |
| A number of police forces are also asking local communities to look out for each other, particularly by checking on neighbours and elderly and vulnerable people in their area before calling for emergency service assistance if needed. | A number of police forces are also asking local communities to look out for each other, particularly by checking on neighbours and elderly and vulnerable people in their area before calling for emergency service assistance if needed. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.14pm GMT | at 1.14pm GMT |