Beds FRS: Flooding
VOLUNTEERS, community workers and emergency responders are out in force across Bedfordshire as flooding continues to torment the county.
Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum has pulled all resources together to support the communities affected by flooding so far and is encouraging residents to be prepared for more heavy rainfall this evening (Thurs 26).
Partners including local authorities, police, fire and rescue, the Bedfordshire Local Emergency Volunteers Executive Committee (BLEVEC) which works in conjunction with statutory agencies and emergency services, and the Environment Agency are all responding to the flooding affecting the county.
Chair of BLRF, Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson, said: “We understand this is a challenging time for residents and businesses across the county and BLRF wants to assure everyone they are committed to keeping local people updated, providing support, and minimising risk during this emergency.
“Teams are working tirelessly day and night to provide assistance and ensure people are safe and informed. I encourage everyone to stay updated, follow the advice available, and be prepared for potential flooding.
“BLRF would also like to express its sincere gratitude to all the local flood groups and volunteer groups for their invaluable support in sharing information and assisting with on-the-ground activities to mitigate the impact of flooding.”
The messages are clear:
- Stay out of flood water
- Don’t drive through flood water
- Only ring 999 if there’s a risk to life
- Consider checking on vulnerable people you know including older people and those who may live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies.
Volunteers have been instrumental in supporting residents both at home and in preparing and opening assistance centres. Through all hours, volunteers and dedicated officers from the local authorities are going door-to-door in affected areas to check on residents' welfare, offer support, and provide essential information to help them stay safe.
Drones provided by BLEVEC have also been out working with the Environment Agency to monitor the extent of flooding any potential high-risk areas, and Aquasacs, which are waterproof property protection bags, are also being distributed by local authorities to help residents protect their belongings from flood damage.
A Met Office Amber warning for rain was issued, including Bedfordshire, from 6pm today until 6am tomorrow. In these areas 30 to 40mm rain could fall in three hours or less, and perhaps 50 to 60mm or more in around six hours.
Numerous roads and bridges continue to remain closed. Efforts to clear the floodwater on the A421 have been ongoing since the weekend and National Highways have been working around the clock to remove water from the carriageway. Once the water has been removed from the carriageway, an investigation and assessment will be carried out to better understand if there is damage to the road and what repair work will be needed.
Where to get information:
If there is any risk to life call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately.
Check your flood risk at www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk
Central Beds: Flooding updates | Central Bedfordshire Council
Luton: Flooding (luton.gov.uk)
Bedford Borough: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/flood
Environment Agency Floodline Service – 0345 988 1188
National Flood Forum – general information (including advice with insurance) - www.nationalfloddforum.org.uk