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More rain forecast for flood hit Cumbria

Nov 22 2009 Sunday Sun

HUNDREDS of people in flood-hit Cumbria faced further chaos last night as weather experts warned of more rain.

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As emergency services were searching homes, four severe weather warnings were in place across the county even though river levels were falling following Friday’s “biblical” downpour, which flooded hundreds of homes and businesses, swept away bridges and claimed the life of a police officer.

PC Bill Barker, 44, who would have celebrated his 45th birthday yesterday, was directing motorists away from Northside bridge when it collapsed, sweeping him away in the swollen waters of the River Derwent.

As the Queen told of her sadness at the “dreadful flooding across Britain”, it was revealed more than 1,300 homes were affected by the torrential rain, which was the highest level of rainfall measured in England since records began.

Strong gales and heavy showers are also due to fall in the county today, prompting fears further downpours would set the situation back to square one.

A thorough search of houses affected by the flooding began at first light on the third day of the rescue operation and 11 bridges in the area were still closed because of fast-flowing flood waters.

Walkers were also being asked to avoid the fells as mountain rescue teams were busy assisting in rescuing people from homes in Cockermouth and Keswick.