This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/cumbria/8371926.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Flood victims face further chaos Flood victims face further chaos
(about 2 hours later)
People in Cumbria are facing another day of chaos after floods swept across the county, inundating homes and business and cutting transport links. People in Cumbria are facing a massive clear-up operation after floods swept across the county, swamping homes and business and cutting transport links.
As the third day of the rescue operation began, more than 1,300 homes were reported to have been flooded, some left without power and water. People who had to leave their homes are being warned not to return as more rain is on the way. About 100 people are in emergency centres.
Some 100 people are still sheltering in emergency reception centres, and many bridges and roads remain closed. More than 1,300 homes were flooded and many left without power or mains water supplies.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is in the area to assess the damage caused. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is in the area to see the damage caused.
A further 30mm of rain is expected to fall on Saturday afternoon. A further 40mm of rain was expected to fall on Saturday afternoon.
Bridge dangerBridge danger
The Environment Agency does not expect it to lead to more flooding, but four severe flood warnings remain in place. The Environment Agency has four severe flood warnings in place.
The worst hit areas were Cockermouth, Workington and Keswick. A number of bridges have been swept away and other bridges closed while they checked. Many roads have been closed across Cumbria.
Roads and bridges have been closed across Cumbria.
Roads shut include the A593 Broughton in Furness, the A596 Workington Bridge and the A6 Eamont Bridge.Roads shut include the A593 Broughton in Furness, the A596 Workington Bridge and the A6 Eamont Bridge.
Full list of road and bridge closuresFull list of road and bridge closures
Members of the public have been told not to put themselves in danger by using bridges as vantage points.Members of the public have been told not to put themselves in danger by using bridges as vantage points.
Every member of staff in the Cumbrian police force is now on duty and emergency services are continuing the rescue operation.Every member of staff in the Cumbrian police force is now on duty and emergency services are continuing the rescue operation.
Broadband cut offBroadband cut off
United Utilities is working to reinstall power, but some substations are still under water. United Utilities is working to reinstate power, but some substations are still under water.
The firm is emphasising that there is no need to boil water from the mains supply before consuming - water across Cumbria remains fit to drink. The firm has emphasised that there is no need to boil water from the mains supply before consumption and water across Cumbria remains fit to drink.
The firm said people getting water from private supplies such as springs or wells should take care to ensure it has not been affected by flood water and should boil it while awaiting advice. The firm said people getting water from private supplies such as springs or wells should take care to ensure it has not been affected by flood water and should boil it if in doubt.
BT said all ordinary phone lines had now been restored. It is restoring the broadband service.BT said all ordinary phone lines had now been restored. It is restoring the broadband service.
Of the 36,000 broadband lines that were affected by the flooding, the remaining 2,000 should be fixed by lunchtime. Of the 36,000 broadband lines that were affected by the flooding, the remaining 2,000 were expected to be fixed by lunchtime.
"People go through a change of emotions, from despair to acceptance. Having the prime minister here lifted people's spirits. He was warmly received." Liz Campbell, Shepherds Hotel, Cockermouth
In Cockermouth, one of the worst affected places, police are checking properties to ensure everyone is safe.
Council workers, police, firefighters, RNLI volunteers and paramedics were stationed in car parks as the town began the clear-up.
Mud and debris are clogging the town's streets.
Local MP Tony Cunningham said some people might have to wait months before they could go home, but he praised their resilience.
"There are many broken buildings in Cockermouth, but the people are not broken, he said."
Liz Campbell, owns the Shepherds Hotel in Cockermouth which is known locally as the Sheep and Wool. It is acting as an evacuation centre for victims of the floods.
Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team during the evacuation of homes
She said people had "mixed spirits" but the centre had enough clothes, food, games and magazines.
She said: "People go through a change of emotions, from despair to acceptance. Having the prime minister here lifted people's spirits. He was warmly received."
The centre has received an abundance of sleeping bags and clothes from generous donators. They also have many people offering their services as a volunteer - so much so they have a waiting list.
Mrs Campbell added: "Everyone is being well looked after. We have plenty of food, good access and power."
Cumbria County Council has pledged £50,000 to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund to help communities recover from for the severe floods.
Cllr Jim Buchanan, leader of the county council, said: "We will recover from this terrible situation and the county council will make sure that all agencies are in this for the long haul.
"We've got to make sure that Cumbria's infrastructure is back up and running. The floods have lasted but the recovery will take months and years.