Residents are being urged not to travel unless essential due to most roads across Derbyshire being affected by flooding and many closed following heavy and persistent rainfall.
With the ground already saturated, flooding from rivers is causing major issues on the roads and the Environment Agency has listed a large number of flood warnings and flood alerts for Derbyshire.
All agencies, including ourselves, Derby City Council, district and borough councils, and all the emergency services, are working together round the clock to coordinate work across Derbyshire to protect residents, but the situation is extremely challenging.
Residents are being alerted to the following safety messages:
- never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow - it could endanger your life
- don’t ignore road closed signs. Waves created by vehicles in flooded areas cause more issues for homes and businesses at the side of them, so please do not drive unless essential
- report life threatening events to the police by calling 999
- report issues on the roads, such as trees down or flooding
Residents are also being urged to look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially if they have care services who may not be able to reach them.
A rest centre has been set up at The Queen’s Park Sports Centre for Chesterfield residents whose homes have been flooded.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has also issued the following safety advice:
- keep away from river banks and pathways close to rivers. The paths may have become unstable and slippery
- never enter the water to rescue anyone, or an animal in difficulty in the water. Call 999 immediately and tell them to float on their back
- keep dogs on leads close to water
For the latest information follow your councils and emergency services on social media, listen to local radio and our regular flooding updates.