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Storm Desmond: Schools and hospitals closed as disruption continues Storm Desmond: Schools and hospitals closed as disruption continues
(35 minutes later)
Schools and hospital services have been closed in parts of northern England as emergency services continue to battle against the effects of Storm Desmond.Schools and hospital services have been closed in parts of northern England as emergency services continue to battle against the effects of Storm Desmond.
Thousands of homes in Cumbria are still without power while the Army spent a second day evacuating people across Carlisle, Keswick and Appleby.Thousands of homes in Cumbria are still without power while the Army spent a second day evacuating people across Carlisle, Keswick and Appleby.
Heavy rain and winds subsided on Sunday, but more "persistent" downfalls have been forecast later in the week.Heavy rain and winds subsided on Sunday, but more "persistent" downfalls have been forecast later in the week.
David Cameron said everything was being done to prevent further damage.David Cameron said everything was being done to prevent further damage.
The prime minister is due to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday to discuss the response to the flooding.The prime minister is due to chair an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday to discuss the response to the flooding.
As well as getting the latest updates on flooding and the work of the rescue services it is also expected to discuss future flood defences and the insurance industry.
The government has faced criticism after multi-million pound defences built following devastating floods in 2005 failed to keep the deluge out from people's homes in Cumbria - prompting the county to declare a major incident.
Follow live updates for Storm DesmondFollow live updates for Storm Desmond
Latest on flooding in CumbriaLatest on flooding in Cumbria
Around 60,000 homes were left without power after a substation was flooded in Lancaster during the storm. Electricity North West said 45,000 homes in Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding area had had their supplies reconnected. As well as getting the latest updates on flooding and the work of the rescue services it is also expected to discuss future flood defences and the insurance industry.
Supt Mark Pannone, of Cumbria Police, said: "There have been hundreds of people rescued in Carlisle alone and significant numbers across the county. We've got about 4,000 to 5,000 houses flooded. The government has faced criticism after multi-million pound defences built following devastating floods in 2005 failed to keep the deluge out from people's homes in Cumbria - prompting the county to declare a major incident.
"From today we're looking at recovery. A lot of Cumbria now the waters have subsided but we've still got some significant flooding." About 55,000 homes were left without power after a substation was flooded in Lancaster during the storm. Electricity North West said 45,000 homes in Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding area had now had their supplies reconnected.
In Carlisle, about 2,500 properties remain flooded, said Supt Mark Pannone, of Cumbria Police. He also said the rail network in Cumbria remained "basically at a standstill".
Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said there needed to be an investigation into the flood defences.Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said there needed to be an investigation into the flood defences.
He said: "I'll be talking to our local MPs later today and, if we need to, the Environment Agency needs to revisit them [flood defences]. That's what's going to have to happen because we can't continue to have events like this."He said: "I'll be talking to our local MPs later today and, if we need to, the Environment Agency needs to revisit them [flood defences]. That's what's going to have to happen because we can't continue to have events like this."
Malcolm Tarling, from the Association of British Insurers, said the industry was "mobilising a small army" of claims managers and others to help those affected by the flooding.Malcolm Tarling, from the Association of British Insurers, said the industry was "mobilising a small army" of claims managers and others to help those affected by the flooding.
Water supplies in a number of main towns were also affected by flood water and at least 20 schools are expected to be closed on Monday.
In other developments:In other developments:
The disruption has also led to the cancellation of appointments and routine services across NHS hospitals and services. The Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has said it will only be running essential services.The disruption has also led to the cancellation of appointments and routine services across NHS hospitals and services. The Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has said it will only be running essential services.
Cumberland Infirmary and Royal Lancaster Infirmary are being powered by back-up generators, resulting in non-emergency operations and clinics being cancelled on Monday.Cumberland Infirmary and Royal Lancaster Infirmary are being powered by back-up generators, resulting in non-emergency operations and clinics being cancelled on Monday.
Westmorland General Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe have also cancelled all routine out-patient appointmentsWestmorland General Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe have also cancelled all routine out-patient appointments
Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.Live flood warnings from the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Note: the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency display their flood alert data differently. While the Environment Agency highlights individual rivers only, in Scotland the entire region is coloured to indicate the level of alert.Note: the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency display their flood alert data differently. While the Environment Agency highlights individual rivers only, in Scotland the entire region is coloured to indicate the level of alert.
This map and flood alert data are supplied to the BBC by third parties. The BBC is not responsible for its accuracy and you use it at your own risk.This map and flood alert data are supplied to the BBC by third parties. The BBC is not responsible for its accuracy and you use it at your own risk.
Have you been affected by Storm Desmond? You can share your comments and experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Have you been affected by Storm Desmond? You can share your comments and experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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