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A video shows the incredible rescue efforts carried out by emergency services this morning (December 19) after residents were trapped by massive flooding.
Footage captured by John Baldry at RNLI shows multiple rescue teams battling the water at Notter Bridge near Saltash in Cornwall to reach isolated residents. It came about when multiple red flood warnings were issued in Devon and Cornwall.
Coast Guard rescue teams from Plymouth, Tamar, Looe and Bigbury worked alongside Cornwall and Devon Fire and Rescue teams, Dartmoor Search and Rescue teams and 4X4 response units, and the police.
In a statement on Twitter, South Devon and South-East Cornwall Coast Area Commander Drew Parkinson said: “ Last night, in preparation for flood events, the SAR (search and rescue) cell was set up in [Devon and Cornwall Police] HQ.
I also commissioned him [Prawle Point Coastguard] and Bigbury Coastguard to complete logistics, reconnaissance and minor rescues in Devon, between Plymouth and Exeter. They were out for 10 hours. ”
(Image: Jon Baldry)
Coast Guard teams from Teignmouth and Tamar were on standby to assist with more water rescue equipment and personnel in case the situation worsened.
Meanwhile, the Looe Coast Guard was on patrol and assigned to Lostwithiel where floods were imminent.
Drew Parkinson adds: “While this was happening, a situation was developing at Notter Bridge.
The Plymouth Coast Guard was put on hold to assist before being assigned along with the Tamar, Looe and Bigbury CRTs, as well as many other emergency services.
The Coast Guard remained on site for several hours along with SAR partners after completing evacuations from the caravan parks before retiring at around 0400 this morning.
“What was phenomenal to see was the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer rescue services.”
In the early hours of today (December 19), eighteen people were evacuated from their caravans in Cornwall, following a major flood.
Crews from the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene at Notter Bridge.
Approximately 50 caravans were searched to verify the well-being of the occupants, a total of eighteen people were evacuated and it was reported to Emergency Management that they relocated some of the people who were evacuated.
Additionally, the Environment Agency (EA) said that river levels in Pillaton near Saltash reached the highest level on record and are expected to remain high.
In its ‘red’ flood warning alert for the Lynher River, the EA said: “Heavy and heavy rains in the area have caused river levels in Bastreet and Pillaton to rise through Friday, December 18.
(Image: John Baldry)
“River levels in Pillaton reached the highest level on record and are expected to remain high.”
In the course of the past five days, the river has risen from 0.80 m (December 15) to 2.17 m (December 19).
Last night (December 18), the river reached the highest record level with a whopping 2.44m. Properties and low-lying areas are flooding in Rilla Mill, Notter Bridge and Notter Bridge Park.
(Image: Joanna Goodman)
Residents are advised to take immediate action and emergency services are assisting the site.
Although police say Black Eye Friday Chaos was kept to a minimum last night (December 18), flood incidents were rife throughout the region.
The latest flood news and travel and traffic updates can be found here.
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