Floating Cars and Dark Corridors as Stockport Flats Flood
Severe flooding in Stockport forced residents to evacuate as emergency services responded to the crisis on New Year’s Day
Stockport, Flooding, Greater Manchester, Emergency Services, Meadow Mill
Stockport: On New Year’s Day, residents of a converted mill faced a real nightmare when the River Tame overflowed, flooding their homes. It was chaos as people woke up to find their lower floors submerged.
Emergency services jumped into action, bringing in mountain rescue teams to help. About 200 folks were stuck inside, waiting for help while the water rose outside. It was a tough situation, with no power or running water.
Dexter, one of the residents, described the scene: “Cars were floating everywhere, and it just kept getting worse.” Junaid, another resident, tried to save his car but ended up in a panic as the water rose to his stomach.
Ell woke up to a car park that looked like a swimming pool. “There was sludge everywhere,” he said. It was a mess, and the firefighters had to step in to help everyone evacuate safely.
Isabella shared how dark it was inside the mill after the power went out. They had to tape bin bags around their legs to protect themselves from the dirty water. The firefighters were amazing, helping everyone out and even providing temporary lighting.
After getting out, residents had to queue for decontamination due to the chemicals in the water. A bus service was set up to take them to a rest center, where they could find some comfort and support.
Councillor Rachel Wise reassured everyone that the council had plans for situations like this. They opened a rest center for those in need, making sure people had a place to go, even if just for a few hours.
By the end of the day, around 20 people had been helped, and some found temporary accommodation. It was a tough start to the year, but the community came together to support each other.