HM Coastguard supports Boxing Day flood response

Beaumaris - taken by Emlyn Lewis
In affected parts of Wales, Coastguard Rescue Teams worked with other emergency services to help evacuate people from flooded homes and vehicles.

The UK Coastguard responded to multiple requests for support during the severe flooding across northern England and Wales on Boxing Day.

Llandwrog search and rescue team assisted where the high tide and rivers flooded areas south of Caernarfon and also helped the fire brigade with emergency fuel supplies so they could keep their pumps working.  Penmon search and rescue team attended Beaumaris, where landslides had cut off road access to the town, and flooding had left some areas waist deep in water.  Penmon assisted nurses to administer emergency medication to residents, transported police officers who were unable to get through the flood waters, advised members of the public and home owners on safe courses of action, assisted sandbagging and ensured vulnerable people were evacuated from the
worst affected areas.  They also notified Scottish Power when its sub station became submerged by water.    Numerous residents were evacuated in both areas, some to neighbouring properties not affected by floods, and others to village halls or leisure centres.

Beaumaris Castle - Penmon Coastguard team
Due to widespread road closures and flooding on the main trunk road (A55) the Coastguard helicopter based at Caernarfon conducted their crew changes at the Llanfairfechan golf course and the rugby field in Llandudno.
The Portishead search and rescue team carried out proactive patrols of the coastal area, and Maryport, Whitehaven and Portling search and rescue teams still continue to patrol flood affected areas in the interest of public safety.

HM Coastguard is reminding those who may be at risk of flooding to keep an eye on the weather forecast, and if they are in a vulnerable area to keep their mobile phones fully charged.  People should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they are in coastal areas or if they are inland dial 999 and ask for the Police.

Photographs courtesy of Emlyn Lewis, Penmon Coastguard Rescue Team





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