'Danger to life' - two severe flood warnings for the River Mersey
A severe flood warning has been issued because of heavy and persistent rainfall resulting in rising river levels on the River Mersey
Last updated 20th Feb 2022
Two severe flood warnings have been issued in Didsbury and Northenden which could pose a 'danger to life'.
The River Mersey has been put under the highest warning level after it has burst it banks, with some residents being told to evacuate their homes.
Andy Brown is the Flood and Coastal manager for the Environment Agency North West, he said: "The Environment Agency have issued our serve flood warnings for the River Mersey, including Didsbury and Northenden in Greater Manchester.
"We're advising residents to take immediate action to prepare for flooding. Our severe flood warning is because we believe there there is a potential fore threat to life, and we ask people to take that seriously and take appropriate action."
"We've got large number of flood alerts out across the entire parts of the North West. We've also got a number of flood warnings.
"We can expect those number of flood warnings to probably increase as we go through the day as well today, because of that same rainfall."
Storm Franklin has also been confirmed by the Met Office, days after Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice.
Manchester City Council says its working with emergency services to support residents who need to evacuate homes ahead of any flooding.
If people need to evacuate they will be contacted directly.
The authority says reception stations are being set up at Didsbury Mosque and the Wythenshawe Forum for anyone who needs to leave their home and has nowhere to go.
Some road closures are expected in South Manchester.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “We’re working closely with the police, fire service and the Environment Agency to protect residents living in the areas where we have severe flood warnings. The process of evacuation is already under way in order to protect as many people as possible given the forecast of more heavy rain throughout the day.
“If asked to leave your home we would strongly advise you do so. Flooding can be extremely dangerous which is why we are working diligently to get residents to safety.
“Emergency rest centres have been set up at the Wythenshawe Forum and Didsbury Mosque where people who cannot stay with relatives or friends will be able to find shelter if evacuated.”
If residents are required to evacuate it is important they remember:
Essential Medicines
Insurance Documents
Turn off utilities - electric, gas and water
Take any important or valuable items upstairs
Let friends and family know where you have gone
The Environment Agency's advice if you are affected:
- Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger follow advice from the emergency services
- Evacuate if you’re told to do so
- Make sure you have an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, important numbers like your home insurance, water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and babycare items
- You may need alert neighbours and offer help if it's safe to do so
- Avoid driving or walking through flood water: just 30cm or 1 foot of fast flowing water could move your car and even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet
- Keep your family and pets away from floodwater – it may contain heavy debris, sharp objects
- Wash your hands if you’ve been in contact with flood water which may contain toxic substances.
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