Support for communities after record-breaking rainfall

RECORD-breaking rainfall has resulted in volunteers, emergency services and local councils continuing to work tirelessly to support the community.  

With another 45mm of rain in places overnight, Met Office reports indicate record-breaking amounts of rain this month in Bedfordshire – not just for September but for any month on record.

North rural areas of Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire are the worst hit by widespread flooding, with lots of individual properties being hit across the area. With so many postcodes being impacted, public services are doing all they can to support communities, alongside the support by volunteers and community groups, which is part of a well-organised and joined up multi-agency plan and response.

Numerous roads continue to be closed, and those who have properties that are at risk of flooding are urged to continue to be prepared.

  
Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum is continuing to work together to respond to last night’s heavy rainfall. Chair of BLRF, Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson, said: “There has been record-breaking rainfall across Bedfordshire, seeing communities experience the consequence of both surface water and river flooding in some areas and we are all doing everything we can to support those impacted.  

“We know that river levels will continue to fluctuate over the coming days as water flows through the county, so please continue to heed advice about staying out of flood water, check on vulnerable people and checking roads before you travel.”

Emergency services are reminding residents to only ring 999 if there is a risk to life. For non-life-threatening emergency flooding- issues, please contact your local council for support and assistance and National Highways for main road conditions and closures.  
 

The messages are clear:
•    Stay out of flood water
•    Don’t drive through flood water or move cones and drive through closed areas
•    Only ring 999 if there’s a risk to life
•    Consider checking on vulnerable people you know including older people and those who may live alone; they may need support with food and medical supplies.
 

Through their involvement in the BLRF, National Highways are coordinating with other partner agencies to ensure that excess water being pumped from the A421 is not being distributed to catchment areas that are already overwhelmed. National Highways is continuing to work around the clock to pump water away from the A421 and as of Thursday evening had removed over 10 million litres of water – equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Where to get information:
 

If there is any risk to life call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately.
Check your flood risk at www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk 
Bedford Borough: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/flood
Central Beds: Flooding updates | Central Bedfordshire Council
Luton: Flooding (luton.gov.uk)
Environment Agency Floodline Service – 0345 988 1188
National Flood Forum – general information (including advice with insurance) - www.nationalfloddforum.org.uk