A severe flood warning is in place for Northenden and homes have been evacuated in parts of South Manchester as levels of the River Mersey continue to rise
The GM Strategic Coordination Group for Storm Christoph and the Environment Agency have enacted warnings covering parts of Didsbury, Chorlton and Northenden tonight.
And Manchester City Council has also set up a COVID-safe emergency rest centre at Wythenshawe Forum in case anyone is told to evacuate because of flooding and has nowhere else to go.
People who live in the Manchester postcodes M22 4, M20 2, M20 5, M21 7, M21 8, and M21 9, should check the flood warning service https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
Residents are advised that only if they live in a property that is within the Severe Flood Warning area – or they are instructed by an emergency service – they should begin to evacuate their property.
This level of flood warning means that evacuations have started due to the potential risk of flooding. There is also a particular focus on supporting vulnerable households.
The Council is working with colleagues in Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and Environment Agency to proactively evacuate homes before any flooding has taken place, which is anticipated in the early hours 21 January. This is to ensure people’s safety.
All flood basins have been opened, but river levels are expected to rise this evening and the decision has been made to evacuate people in a safe and controlled way this evening, rather than waiting to assess the flooding impact overnight.
When evacuating, remember:
- Essential Medicines
- Insurance Documents
- Turn off utilities – electric, gas and water
- Take any important or valuable items upstairs
- Let friends and family know where you have gone
If someone is asked to leave their home and need to stay with family or friends temporarily due to flooding, they will not be in breach of coronavirus laws, which allow for exceptions including to escape the risk of harm – and no legal action will be taken.
However, people should still take precautions to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus – remember to wear a face covering, keep your distance from others outside of your household or bubble, and wash hands regularly.
Manchester City Council has also set up a COVID-safe emergency rest centre at Wythenshawe Forum in case anyone is told to evacuate because of flooding and has nowhere else to go.
If someone has been asked to self-isolate due to Government guidance around Covid-19 or if you are clinically extremely vulnerable, they will already have been contacted directly and Covid-secure accommodation will be provided.
Anyone with urgent need for care and support should call the Council’s Contact Centre on 0161 234 5001.
Keep up to date
· Sign up for Flood warnings – www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
· Report flooding via the Environment Agency incident hotline: 0800 80 7060 3.
For advice and updates contact the Floodline on: 0345 988 1188 using quick dial code 143116.
Key an eye on the Flood Warning Service – www.flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
· For more information on what to do in case of a flood www.manchester.gov.uk/stormchristoph
Cllr Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have been working closely with the police and Environment Agency to keep the levels of the River Mersey under review. The Severe Flood Warning means that we have already begun helping people evacuate safely tonight as we expect the water levels to continue to rise overnight.
“If you are asked to leave your home we would strongly advise you to do so. Flooding and flood water can be dangerous, so we would ask you to continue to follow advice from the council, Greater Manchester Police and the Environment Agency. But please, only leave your home if you are instructed to.
“The City Council has set up an emergency rest centre at the Wythenshawe Forum for people who are unable to stay with family or friends. If you can stay with someone, please remember to think Covid. Keep your distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands – and allow fresh air in.”