Didsbury Residents Endure Power Outages as Flood Cleanup Starts
Didsbury residents face power outages and flooding as cleanup efforts begin following severe weather that left many stranded and in need of assistance
Didsbury, Flooding, Greater Manchester, Emergency Services, Community Support
Didsbury: Residents on Palatine Road are sharing their tough experiences after a serious flood hit on New Year’s Day. Many were stuck in their homes as the River Mersey overflowed due to heavy rain.
The rain started on December 31 and continued into January 1, causing chaos as the river spilled over into nearby streets. It was quite a sight, with emergency services rescuing people from their homes in boats.
People living in flats and hotels, including asylum seekers, were helped by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. They were taken to safety and provided with shelter at the Didsbury Mosque, which offered hot meals and dry clothes.
Councillor Debbie Hilal praised the community for stepping up. She mentioned how locals brought bedding and baby formula to help those in need. The mosque served delicious meals, ensuring no one went hungry.
Despite the stress, the community really came together. The water started to recede by midday, but the damage was clear. Police were on the scene, and utility crews were working hard to restore services.
There were signs of destruction everywhere, with fences down and debris scattered along the road. An abandoned car was left in a puddle, and the smell of muddy water filled the air.
As cleanup began, one resident, who works in construction, shared his experience of being rescued by fire crews. He joked about it feeling like a scene from the Titanic.
Another resident, Abi, described her frightening night without power. She had to rely on candles and snacks to get through. She planned to head out to charge her phone and get a warm drink.
Mohammed, who has lived in the area for years, also faced a long day without power. He noticed something was wrong when he saw a car alarm going off. After being stuck in his flat, he was eventually rescued and praised the fire crews for their efforts.
He reflected on how unusual this flooding was, noting that while the area does flood occasionally, it had never been this severe before.