Risk of further flooding in Somerset

A FURTHER 20,000 sandbags are ready to be deployed to communities at risk of flooding across Somerset.

Staff from Somerset County Council have worked tirelessly alongside Royal Marines from 40 Commando throughout the weekend to prepare a further 20,000 sandbags ready to deploy to residents at risk of flooding.

Council leader John Osman, said: “Our main aim is to keep residents and their property as safe as possible. These additional 20,000 sandbags will help towards these efforts.

“Floodwater is still rising and more than 150 homes are at risk of flooding in Somerset.

“We are working tirelessly 24/7 to ensure residents are safe, our roads are as clear as they can be in these difficult circumstances, schools are open, school buses can operate and vulnerable people receive the care and services they need.”

PHOTO - RIGHT: Thousands of sandbags are waiting to be deployed to protect communities at risk of flooding in Somerset.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Military personnel, currently mostly Royal Marines, continue to provide support in Somerset in areas affected by floods as part of cross-Government and multi-agency relief efforts.

“As the Prime Minister has said, all available resources are being brought to bear to help those still struggling as a result of the floods.”

The 20,000 sandbags are ready for district councils to use should they not have sufficient stock to meet residents’ requests.

For the latest road and flood information, click www.somersetnewsroom.com.   For general flood enquiries, please contact the police on 101 or for specific flood issues, contact the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188. To request sandbags, please contact your local district council.

PHOTOS - TOP AND ABOVE: This was the flooded scene on Friday (February 7, 2014) afternoon and a road close to the RNAS Yeovilton base near Ilchester.

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