Council Offers Support for Residents Affected by Flooding Crisis
Manchester City Council is stepping up to help those impacted by recent floods
Manchester, Flooding, Support, Community, Recovery
Manchester: The city has been hit hard by flooding, and the council is stepping in to help. They’re offering support to residents and businesses affected by the disaster that struck on New Year’s Day.
Heavy rain on New Year’s Eve caused the River Mersey to rise dramatically, leading to over 1,000 evacuations across Greater Manchester. It was a tough situation for many.
Some folks had to be rescued from their homes in Didsbury using dinghies, while others in Stockport are still waiting to return home more than a week later. It’s been a real struggle for those impacted.
Stockport Council even sent an open letter to the building’s owner, urging them to help residents who are running low on funds for hotels and are facing the cold in their flats.
This week, Manchester City Council announced that their officers will visit affected residents to provide advice on what to do next. They’ll help with insurance claims, disposing of damaged items, and finding second-hand furniture.
They’re also reaching out to businesses to guide them on cleaning up and restoring power safely. It’s all hands on deck to get things back to normal.
Cleanup efforts are already in motion, especially along Palatine Road, where debris from the river has made a mess. The council is working hard to clear it all up.
In response to some criticism of the Environment Agency, the council mentioned that they’re working on repair plans and assessing the damage to the riverbank after the flood defenses were breached.
“Most of the issues were due to the heavy rainfall, but we’ll investigate how to better prepare for future storms,” they said.
Councillor Bev Craig expressed gratitude to everyone who helped during the floods. She acknowledged the community spirit that emerged in the face of adversity.
“This wasn’t the start to 2025 anyone wanted. I admire the resilience of those evacuated. The stress from this event is significant, and we’re here to support those affected,” she added.
“Our priority is to help people return to their homes and get businesses back on track. We’re committed to providing the necessary support and guidance,” she concluded.
As the cleanup continues, the council plans to meet with relevant agencies to discuss future prevention strategies for such severe flooding.