North Wales Fire and Rescue Service updates on its response to Storm Babet
A week has passed since Storm Babet’s ferocious weather event led to widespread flooding and disruption across Flintshire and North Wales.
Through it all, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service played a pivotal role, ensuring residents were protected and supported during these testing times.
The Flintshire areas saw substantial disruption, with a number of residential properties being affected by flood waters.
The heavy downpour led to the closure of numerous roads and railway lines, and over 50 schools across the county were shut.
Particularly hard-hit were the areas of Sandycroft, Mancot, Broughton, Pen-y-ffordd, which are no strangers to the vulnerability to flooding.
The fire service logged over 200 incident events, leading to the deployment of officers and resources to a 44 incidents.
Additionally, officers attended another 56 incidents on their own. Remarkably, about 60 people were rescued or evacuated during this intense period.
All this came at a time when morale amongst firefighters at Deeside is said to be ‘rock bottom’ after learning their fire station will move to a day crewed model.
Justin Evans, Area Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, reflected on the extensive efforts and challenges faced during the storm.
He recounted, “At the peak, we were grappling with flood warnings and alerts encompassing major rivers and catchment areas, including the River Alyn, Clwyd, Gele, Elwy, Upper Dee, Mawddach, and the Wnion Catchment.”
The plight of the communities became especially pronounced on Friday evening.
Even as the fire and rescue service and other agencies issued warnings, some drivers still ventured into flooded areas. ”
Around 25 vehicles found themselves caught in flood waters, and our teams were there, assisting with rescues and evacuations,” said Evans.
Recognising the magnitude of the response, Mr Evans highlighted the Control Room’s crucial role, stating, “It’s fitting that their exceptional work is being acknowledged this week through International Control Room Week.”
While their response was widespread, Mr Mr Evans remarked, “There were moments when residents wished we could do more. But our focus remained on deploying resources where they would make a genuine impact.”
As the community rallied to handle the after-effects of Storm Babet, the fire service’s own premises weren’t spared.
Colwyn Bay Fire Station faced flooding, but thanks to off-duty staff members and collaboration with the local authority, the damage was mitigated.
Mr Evans concluded with words of gratitude, “A big thanks to our staff and all our multi-agency partners across North Wales. Together, we ensured our communities were safeguarded during one of the toughest times.”
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