Whaley Bridge: Thunderstorms expected as race to stop dam collapse continues
The area is expecting thunderstorms and heavy rain - as emergency workers try to stop a badly-damaged dam being breached.
Sunday 4 August 2019 07:13, UK
Efforts by emergency workers to stop a badly damaged dam being breached could be hampered by the weather later today.
Heavy rain has left the wall of the Derbyshire structure, at the 19th century Toddbrook Reservoir, partially collapsed and there is a threat to life.
Thunderstorms are forecast to bring more downpours to the town of Whaley Bridge, where around 1,500 people have been evacuated over the past few days amid fears it could be flooded if the dam gives way.
Another 55 properties were evacuated in the Horwich End area during the weekend due to "a potential increase in risk of adverse weather in coming days and the ongoing risk of the Toddbrook Reservoir breaching", police said.
An RAF Chinook has dropped more than 400 sandbags - each weighing a tonne - to help repair the dam wall and around 150 firefighters have been using high-volume pumps to remove water from the reservoir.
Water levels have been reduced by 1.3 metres since Thursday, according to the Department for the Environment, but the structure remains in "critical condition" and police have warned a breach is still "a very real threat".
Up to 40mm of rain is forecast to fall in just an hour or two on Sunday afternoon, according to the Met Office, which has issued a yellow weather warning for much of northern England and the Midlands, including the reservoir.
This means there is "a small chance" of flooding and damage, and of "fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life".
Meteorologist Mark Wilson said: "There is the potential for some thundery showers which could give some very unwelcome rain [in that area]."
Residents who had been evacuated earlier were given a brief chance to return to their homes for essential items, although police warned the risk of the dam being breached was still "very real".
Kem Mehmet, assistant chief constable of Derbyshire Police, had said the decision to let people go back into the town had been "difficult" and that only one person per household would be allowed "at their own risk".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers have both visited the area and Mr Johnson promised a "major rebuild" for the dam.
The reservoir, which contains 1.3 million tonnes of water, sits above hundreds of homes and business in the town.
Residents of Whaley Bridge, which is around 16 miles southeast of Manchester, are expected to be updated on the situation at a meeting on Sunday evening.