More than 1,300 people had to be rescued in Greater Manchester after heavy rainfall on New Year’s Eve left them stranded in flooded properties.
Although the Met Office had issued an amber warning for rainfall in the North West, there was no named storm and no properties were evacuated in advance of the wet weather.
“People were definitely caught off guard, it came down so quick,” said Dawn Royds, who had to be rescued in a boat from her home in Platt Bridge, Wigan, on New Year’s Day.
The couple were awoken at around 9am the next day by a firefighter shouting outside.
Families went to bed unawares their homes were at risk of flooding (Photo: iNews)She added: “This is my home, it’s my safe space, I don’t go out because of my arthritis, I fall a lot.”
As one mum pushed open her front door she burst into tears as her child’s Christmas presents spilled out, having floated there from the living room. All were ruined.
But it’s the little things that cause the most heartbreak.
“There were some family photos in a cupboard. That’s what’s upset me the most, everything else is replaceable.”
Mr Ahmad said he realised something was wrong when he woke up yesterday and he was unable to access his shop’s cameras via his phone.
“It was so tragic, we were so worried about the shop, we tried to get in but they said it’s not safe,” said Shewa.
The Mini Market in Platt Bridge where thousands of pounds in stock was ruined (Photo: iNews)
The family said they have never experienced such flooding before and wished they had been able to do more to reduce the damage.
“We didn’t get any warnings, we just thought it was going to be some heavy rain and that’s it.
Several homeowners on Templeton Road, where all the properties were flooded, told The i Paper they have not been offered emergency accommodation and say authorities have offered little help.
“They shirk responsibility, it’s always everbody else’s fault, because we’re the little people we havent got the funds…they get away with it,” Mrs Royds said.
“There should be warnings but this place is forgotten.
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Read MoreLabour MP for Makerfield Josh Simons was on the ground in Platt Bridge on New Year’s Day and helped get a generator to ensure the McDonald’s was able to help residents.
Mr Simons held a meeting with Environment Agency, United Utilities and Wigan Council about flooding problems only a few weeks ago.
“Locally, people and organisations did everything possible to support residents affected, ensure everyone was safe and provide food, water, and warmth to those who needed it,” he said.
“I am meeting national agencies in the coming hours and days to get a full picture of what assessments were done in the hours before this event, who they were communicated to, and what defences we need to protect our community better in the future.
“We now need a bigger review to understand what caused the flooding and what needs to be done to build flood defences going forward – crucially, and what stands in the way of getting this work done.
Paul Barton, director for environment at Wigan Council, said: “River and brook water levels are now returning to normal and all flood alerts for Wigan Borough are now removed, so we are moving into the recovery phase of our response.
“To help with the clean-up, skips to remove water-damaged belongings and rubbish will be provided by the council and will visit affected areas.”
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