Hundreds of residents in flood risk areas of Angus are being evacuated as Storm Babet sweeps across Scotland. Angus Council has issued a severe flood warning for the River South Esk area, prompting the evacuation of 335 homes in Brechin and 87 homes in Tannadice and Finavon. The council has set up three rest centres for those affected, where they can find shelter and assistance. However, despite the warnings, some residents like John Stewart, 82, have chosen to stay in their homes due to personal circumstances.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has urged all residents in Scotland to listen to the advice given during this severe weather event. He emphasized the importance of not travelling and following safety precautions. The red weather warning area, which includes Brechin, is expected to experience significant disruption and potential harm to individuals who do not heed the advice. It is crucial for citizens to prioritize their safety and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks.
Storm Babet has already caused disruption to Scotland’s transport network, resulting in the cancellation of several ScotRail and Stagecoach services. Furthermore, around 10,000 homes in different parts of Scotland have experienced power cuts due to the storm. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has advised people to avoid coastal areas due to the risk of being washed out to sea. Additionally, the British Geological Survey has warned about the potential for landslides in areas where the weather conditions are the most severe.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued 12 flood alerts and eight flood warnings, indicating the high risk of flooding in various parts of Scotland. In England, the Environment Agency has issued five flood warnings, primarily in the North East, along with 36 flood alerts, mostly in the Midlands. Northern England and parts of northern Wales are under an amber warning for rain, lasting from midday tomorrow until 6 am on Saturday. Cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham are included in the warning.
The Met Office has provided a list of potential dangers and damages that can occur as a result of the storm. These include the risk of danger to life from fast flowing or deep floodwater, extensive flooding to homes and businesses, collapsed or damaged structures, and road closures. The storm will also create dangerous driving conditions due to spray and flooded roads, and there may be interruptions in essential services such as power, water, and mobile phone service. In the most severe cases, communities may be cut off for several days.
Angus Council has taken steps to ensure the safety of its residents. Schools and early years centres across the region have closed starting from Thursday at lunchtime and will remain closed on Friday. Road teams have been actively deploying sandbags to vulnerable areas and buildings to minimize potential damage. The council has a limited supply of sandbags available for residents to pick up from designated locations. However, repair work across the region has been postponed until the end of Friday, with priority given to internal works over external emergency repairs.
Storm Babet has caused significant disruptions and potential dangers across Scotland. Evacuations have been carried out in flood risk areas to safeguard residents’ lives. It is crucial for individuals to follow the advice and warnings given by local authorities and emergency services to protect themselves and their property. Taking the necessary precautions and prioritizing safety will mitigate the risks associated with severe weather events like Storm Babet.
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