Council coordinate response to unprecedented Calderdale flooding

Calderdale Council is deploying all available resources today, working with partners to coordinate the response to Boxing Day’s devastation.

A number of severe flood warnings were issued yesterday in the borough following record river levels. This was mirrored elsewhere across the North putting a major strain on resources available to deal with impacts. In Calderdale it is estimated 2000 homes and 200 businesses have been affected.

With river levels reducing today and a 24 hour dry spell expected the recovery operation has begun and an assessment of entire valley is underway. Ensuring infrastructure is safe is a priority.

The Council has opened the Contact Centre to deal with urgent enquires from the public and gather information. It will be open 24/7 on 01422 288001.

As yesterday, residents are advised to stay at home if possible and not to travel. If driving is unavoidable, the public should exercise extreme caution and there have been reports of missing manhole covers under the mud and water representing serious risk to drivers.

Many roads and bridges in the borough have been affected by the flooding and will be closed although the A58 at Sowerby Bridge, Station Road at Luddenfoot, New Road Mytholmroyd and Caldene Avenue have all reopened.

Members of the public are requested to stay off footbridges and vehicle bridges as there have been some reports of collapse.  The rail link at Walsden is currently not operational affecting the Manchester Victoria line.

The Council is working with voluntary and business partners to coordinate volunteering efforts and a meeting is scheduled tomorrow to assess roles and resource to support the recovery drive. Further updates will follow.

Rest centres have are being opened at Northbridge Leisure Centre and Ebenezer Church in central Halifax, Hebden Bridge Town Hall and Todmorden Town Hall. More details and updates are available through the Council’s social media accounts.

Todmorden is experiencing loss of power and North Grid have found access difficult although all roads should now be passable and we are continuing speaking with North Grid for updates.

Flooding represents a number of serious health risks and the Council are directing the public to a guide for keeping safe http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/flooding/keeping-safe.html

The Council will now be looking for support from Government to assist the recovery.

More details are available on www.eyeoncalderdale.com(external link). Updates can also be found on the Environment Agency webpage at  http://apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood/31618.aspx(external link)

Residents that live near waterways who are concerned about flooding in their areas can check the Environment Agency floodline on 0345 988 1188.

ENDS