Cleanup operation continues across Suffolk after flooding caused by Storm Babet
People in several Suffolk villages are picking up the pieces after Storm Babet hit last week
A clean-up effort is continuing across Suffolk after major flooding caused by Storm Babet following torrential downpours on Friday.
Authorities in Suffolk declared a 'major incident' last week as roads were inundated and several rivers burst their banks.
Debenham, Framlingham, Long Melford and Wickham Market were among communities badly hit by flooding.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service received around 1,500 calls on Friday, with many of the callouts to people trapped in their cars due to floodwater.
"It's been very very traumatising for the village" said Jane Baldwin, a parish councillor in Debenham.
"It's been a bit of a shock for those of us that while we're safe and dry, to see so many of the people that we know suffer. It's shocking. It's beyond comprehension."
"People have lost their homes, they've lost their possessions.... we have people who need rehousing who may not be covered on their insurance... we're trying to help them as much as possible".
86 year old Lawrence LeMay, who has lived in Debenham for more than 50 years, is facing months away from his bungalow after it was flooded.
He was rescued via boat on Friday.
"I'm just looking forward to the next phase... before I can get back home again."
"It will take a little while to do... I've even had offers now from friends to help me re-decorate after its dried out".
Many have been full of praise for Suffolk locals who helped each other stay safe during the flooding.
Farmers helped people in some of the worst affected areas get home after they were left stranded over the weekend.
Isaac Frost, a farmer in Framlingham, said: "I've heard endless stories of valiant rescues in tractors"
"(People have been) going out and picking up children and ferrying them home from nurseries and schools... and pulling people out of windows of cars bobbing about on the roads"
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s leader, said:
“Whilst some communities were relatively unscathed by Storm Babet, the destruction and disruption it has caused in many areas of Suffolk cannot be underestimated."
“I would like to thank the blue light services, highways and council staff for their hard work in such difficult circumstances.
"I would also like to commend the farmers and 4x4 owners who rushed to the aid of stranded children and residents and brought them to safety.
"But most of all, I wish to thank Suffolk’s wonderful volunteers and members of the community, who stepped up and helped each other.
"They demonstrated a truly special quality inherent in the people of Suffolk.
“There is of course a lot more to do over coming weeks and months to support those who have been badly impacted, but I am confident that Suffolk’s community-spirit and commitment will help to get us through.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, said:
“I am truly heartened by the wonderful support the people of Suffolk have given to those who have found themselves in difficulty or distress because of the terrible floods we have experienced."
“My thanks go to all those who volunteered to help, and of course all those people in the emergency services, local councils and other public sector agencies and charities who collectively worked closely together in the name of public service.
"While the past few days must have been very alarming for many, it is extremely reassuring to see the communities of Suffolk pulling together so well once again in a time of need.”
Flood warnings remain in place for several Suffolk rivers as of Monday night, with people living along the Gipping, Stour, Yare and Waveney all being warned that flooding is 'expected'.
The water supply in parts of Ipswich was also hit by floodwaters, with Anglian Water warning that one of its treatment works serving the north of the town had suffered 'extensive' damage.