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Shropshire and Worcester floods: Ten days 'of difficult conditions' Shropshire and Worcester floods: Ten days 'of difficult conditions'
(about 1 hour later)
"Another 10 days of difficult conditions" has been predicted for parts of the Midlands devastated by flooding."Another 10 days of difficult conditions" has been predicted for parts of the Midlands devastated by flooding.
There are fears Shropshire and Worcestershire, where evacuations have been taking place, will be further affected following heavy rain in Wales.There are fears Shropshire and Worcestershire, where evacuations have been taking place, will be further affected following heavy rain in Wales.
On Wednesday, barriers holding back the River Severn at Ironbridge buckled and water seeped underneath.On Wednesday, barriers holding back the River Severn at Ironbridge buckled and water seeped underneath.
Meanwhile, the same river overtopped defences in Bewdley, Worcestershire.Meanwhile, the same river overtopped defences in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
The Environment Agency has estimated that up to 500 tonnes of water per second is coursing past Ironbridge's flood defences.
Deputy Chief Constable Julian Moss, from West Mercia Police, told a press conference on Wednesday evening the force anticipated its presence on the ground will "continue for the next 10 days" at least.Deputy Chief Constable Julian Moss, from West Mercia Police, told a press conference on Wednesday evening the force anticipated its presence on the ground will "continue for the next 10 days" at least.
He said emergency crews also remain on the ground in "many places that are still flooded and have been for some time", as more wet weather was forecast.He said emergency crews also remain on the ground in "many places that are still flooded and have been for some time", as more wet weather was forecast.
Overnight on Tuesday, while the main flood defences in Bewdley stood firm, those in the Beales Corner area of town saw water from a swollen River Severn come over the top.Overnight on Tuesday, while the main flood defences in Bewdley stood firm, those in the Beales Corner area of town saw water from a swollen River Severn come over the top.
About 40 properties were either flooded or at risk and on Wednesday some residents were rescued on a fire service dinghy, although 12 people chose to stay in their homes.About 40 properties were either flooded or at risk and on Wednesday some residents were rescued on a fire service dinghy, although 12 people chose to stay in their homes.
Then in Ironbridge, Shropshire, 35 homes were evacuated as an emergency measure when a flood barrier buckled and water seeped underneath.Then in Ironbridge, Shropshire, 35 homes were evacuated as an emergency measure when a flood barrier buckled and water seeped underneath.
Parts of neighbouring Shrewsbury have been under water for the last three days, while swathes of Worcestershire flooded last week in the wake of Storm Dennis.Parts of neighbouring Shrewsbury have been under water for the last three days, while swathes of Worcestershire flooded last week in the wake of Storm Dennis.
A severe flood warning - meaning danger to life - remains in place for the Wharfage area of Ironbridge.A severe flood warning - meaning danger to life - remains in place for the Wharfage area of Ironbridge.
The Environment Agency estimated that up to 500 tonnes of water was coursing past Ironbridge's flood defences every second. River levels have since dropped by just over 40cm in the town and are also down by 80cm in Shrewsbury.
Levels have since dropped by just over 40cm in the town and are also down by 80cm in Shrewsbury.
Mr Moss said: "We understand the devastation and terrible impact this unprecedented situation has had on our communities.Mr Moss said: "We understand the devastation and terrible impact this unprecedented situation has had on our communities.
"Flood waters are set to recede quite slowly and are likely to be topped up again, with additional rain over the weekend and at the end of next week."Flood waters are set to recede quite slowly and are likely to be topped up again, with additional rain over the weekend and at the end of next week.
"We would therefore ask people to take this into consideration when making accommodation arrangements for themselves and any pets or livestock.""We would therefore ask people to take this into consideration when making accommodation arrangements for themselves and any pets or livestock."
A number of road closures have been put in place due to the flooding and Telford and Wrekin Council reported that staff were being abused by motorists trying to get around them.
It urged drivers to "please be respectful to our staff" who it said were working in "very difficult circumstances".
Elsewhere, flooding has also seen:Elsewhere, flooding has also seen:
Chris Bainger, from the Environment Agency, said: "We have a bit of respite, we've just got showers moving through over the next couple of days.Chris Bainger, from the Environment Agency, said: "We have a bit of respite, we've just got showers moving through over the next couple of days.
"But coming into Friday we have another band of rain coming through that's going to be up in the Welsh mountains and that's going to be coming to us... perhaps Saturday."But coming into Friday we have another band of rain coming through that's going to be up in the Welsh mountains and that's going to be coming to us... perhaps Saturday.
"We've already planned another 10 days of being on 24/7- manning of our incident rooms and having operational staff at all of our barriers.""We've already planned another 10 days of being on 24/7- manning of our incident rooms and having operational staff at all of our barriers."
The damage to the barriers at Ironbridge will be investigated over the next couple of days and the Environment Agency will aim to repair or replace damaged panels ahead of further rain forecast for the weekend.
Shropshire Council said it will need to inspect 30 bridges across the county for damage caused by the floods.
Structural engineers have been deployed to Coalport Bridge where the force of the Severn has caused damage to brickwork.
Tim Smith, from the council, said the damage was not "a significant risk" but a weight limit has been put in place before it can be properly investigated once the waters subside.
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Are you being evacuated from Ironbridge or the surrounding areas? If you are able to share your experiences email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you being evacuated from Ironbridge or the surrounding areas? If you are able to share your experiences email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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