‘Major Incident’ Declared Due To Flooding

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has declared a ‘major incident’ in response to widespread flooding across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The service has received more than 200 calls, with crews attending incidents involving cars stuck in flood water, evacuating residents from flooded homes and rising water.

Great Glen is one area where crews have been deployed to, following major flooding in the village.

So far, 17 members of the public have been rescued by fire crews.

The fire service is urging drivers not to attempt to negotiate flooded roads.

Judi Beresford, assistant chief fire and rescue officer, said: “Flooding poses a serious risk to lives and property, and we urge everyone to take these warning seriously.

“Our control room and crews are working tirelessly to assist those in need and to keep people safe.

“We are working with our partners to reduce the impact of this major incident and ask the public to avoid flooded routes when travelling and never to enter flood water.”

Highways teams have been working round the clock to deal with widespread flooding across Leicestershire.

County council Flood gangs were out overnight and 160 flooding sites have been reported and are being visited today by highways teams.

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea, lead member for Highways and Transport, said: “We recognise this has caused disruption. Agencies are working very hard to deal with incidents and we are asking people do bear with us.

“Please do only travel if necessary and don’t attempt to drive through or wade through flood waters. We are also urging motorists to take care over the next few days as we are expecting freezing conditions, which will be challenging.

“Once flood water has receded, relevant agencies will carry out investigations into the potential causes of flooding if necessary.

“The effects of climate change are leading to more frequent flood events, so we are urging residents to ensure that they are prepared for flooding.”