A helicopter is being used by the Environment Agency to carry out emergency repairs on the River Mersey in Didsbury, Manchester, following record floods on New Year's Day. The repairs aim to provide temporary protection to sections of the flood embankments that were damaged during the severe flooding. More than 400 people were evacuated from their homes, and the River Mersey reached its highest levels in 66 years, causing widespread disruption.
A helicopter was seen circling and landing in south Manchester on Tuesday (January 21) as part of major 'emergency' works taking place. The Environment Agency is carrying out repairs along the River Mersey, in Didsbury, to provide a temporary fix to sections of the flood embankments that collapsed and were swept away during the horrific floods on New Year's Day.
More than 400 people had to be evacuated and transported to safety on boats after nearby Palatine Road became completely submerged, causing power cuts, with water climbing up from the ground floor of nearby flats and a hotel. The River Mersey, reaching its highest levels in 66 years, burst its banks, with 400 private homes evacuated, and around 500 rescued from the Britannia Country Park Hotel. The region saw 70 millimetres of rain fall in 18 hours and the River Mersey recorded its highest ever levels. Due to the sheer volume of rainfall and record river levels, the design capacity for many flood defences was exceeded, leading to overtopping. Nearby, Fletcher Moss Park was left 'almost entirely underwater' with cars seen floating in the street. The far end of Stenner Lane became completely submerged, with flood water reading the grounds of St James’ Church. There was further devastation when the Didsbury Sports Ground became completely flooded after parts of the River Mersey's embankment collapsed. The Environment Agency have revealed that a helicopter is being used over the next couple of weeks to place around 1,000 tonne bags of rock into five key locations in the flood embankments where there are currently gaps, to form temporary protection. Withington Golf Club and the Britannia Hotel car parks are being used as site compounds for the materials, prior to them being flown by helicopter to the key locations along the Mersey, including Didsbury Toc H Rugby Club. The helicopter will also restore some of the rock bags that have become displaced at Northenden Weir, where separate and unrelated repair works have been ongoing since November, the Environment Agency said. Since the flooding on January 1, Environment Agency officers have carried out inspections of all flood defences, monitoring the damage using drones. Water has also been pumped from the Didsbury Flood Storage Reservoir and other surrounding flood plains, including at Didsbury Sports Ground, to reduce water levels and allow recovery works to take place. Whilst emergency repairs are being put in place, flood warning thresholds have been amended to ensure people at increased risk of flooding are warned appropriately. Mary-Rose Muncaster, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, from the Environment Agency, said: “We know the devasting impact flooding has, which is why reducing flood risk is our top priority. “These emergency works should hopefully reassure residents that we’re doing all we can to maintain a level of flood protection to the area and our thoughts remain with those affected by flooding in the area over the New Year. “Public safety is our main concern, and we urge everyone to adhere to the temporary footpath closures whilst the works are taking place and refrain from trying to get a closer look. “People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates. Sign up for flood warnings here - Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).” The design and construction of a new permanent defence is ongoing, with the new temporary defences put in place to reduce the risk of further flooding whilst work on permanent solution continues. Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The flooding experienced by thousands of people living in south Manchester over the New Year was undoubtedly an incredibly disruptive experience. With water levels along the Mersey reaching heights not seen in decades it has caused a significant amount of disruption for our communities. “With the initial danger having passed it is crucial that work now takes place to shore up the defences along the Mersey, and rebuild the sections of the flood wall which were damaged. Our number one priority remains the safety and protection of our residents and businesses. “I am grateful for the quick and timely response from our colleagues in the Environment Agency in beginning these works, and we remain supportive of the work they are doing to manage the risk of flooding while these repairs take place. I would also like to reassure residents that everything is being done to get these temporary repairs done as quickly as possible.
FLOODING MANCHESTER RIVER MERSEY ENVIRONMENT AGENCY EMERGENCY REPAIRS HELICOPTER DIDSBURY WEATHER
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