The chairman of the Isle of Wight council has thanked Island residents for their ongoing resilience, co-operation, and pulling together to support each other, following the recent significant flooding.
The Isle of Wight suffered some of the heaviest rainfall it has ever seen and many rivers and waterways were not able to cope with the extent of the water rushing into them.
Homes were flooded, roads closed, water cut off, power outages and many people affected.
Critchison: Heartened by the community spirit
As the clean-up continues and the full scale of the damage is still being assessed, Councillor Claire Critchison said she had been heartened by the community spirit shown by residents who stepped up to help those in need in support of the relief effort.
She said,
“We know this is a very difficult time for residents and businesses who have been affected by flooding after unprecedented rain caused rivers and streams to burst their banks.
“While the emergency services, roads management and resilience teams did their best to assist the network and keep the Island running, the task was huge and beyond their capacities.
“It is thanks to local people that didn’t hesitate to help and assist in these difficult times that many more people were less affected than could have been.
“My sincere thanks to all those that went over and above in awful conditions to help others. Your assistance is very appreciated by many people.”
Council staff thanked
Councillor Critchison also thanked council staff for their contribution to the community during the recent bad weather.
Thinking ahead, being prepared is the best form of defence against flooding.
If you live in a risk area, you should register for the Environment Agency’s Flood Warnings Direct Service.
For more information, including useful contacts in case of a flood, visit the council’s dedicated flooding information pages.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
