Major incident declared in the wake of Storm Bert
A multi-agency operation is underway
A major incident has been declared in Northamptonshire after heavy rainfall during Storm Bert led to significant flooding across the county.
Emergency services and volunteers have rescued residents from flooded properties and stranded vehicles.
Fire and Rescue Service expect to be carrying out boat rescues for the rest of the day at Billing Aquadrome. West Northamptonshire Council is providing a rest centre at Lings Forum Leisure Centre for residents.
About 84 people are currently being supported at the rest centre with plans to prepare extra capacity for potentially more people, dependant on the weather.
Locals at the Venture Park area of Kettering, meantime, are being looked after at the Counties Community Centre.
In Lower Harlestone, Swiftwater Rescue Technicians used inflatable sleds to rescue 15 adults, four dogs and three cats from eight different properties.
Northamptonshire Police received nearly 800 calls into its Control Room yesterday (November 24), more than 600 of which were 999 calls related to Storm Bert.
Demand continues to be extremely high, and Police and Fire are asking people to only call 999 where there is a risk to life.
Superintendent Steve Freeman, of Northamptonshire Police who is chairing the multi-agency response, said:
“While the bad weather and resulting flooding remains ongoing, please avoid all unnecessary travel and do not drive through floodwater of any depth - it is not worth risking your safety or your vehicle.
“We’ve been receiving significant numbers of weather-related calls over the weekend and into today too so to help us assist those most in need we are asking people to only call 999 where life is at risk.
“We expect to remain very busy over the coming days dealing with issues relating to Storm Bert and I would ask residents in Northamptonshire to consider whether any journey they’re making is necessary.
“If it is, please take care – drive to the weather conditions and be aware of your surroundings.”