Emergency services have stood down the major incident declared on January 1 following widespread flooding in Greater Manchester. A multi-agency task force confirmed that following extensive rescue operations the major incident is no longer in effect.
Now, authorities and rescue workers said in a joint statement that they will be shifting their focus to clean up and recovery, including helping those impacted get back to their homes. Several agencies were involved in rescue efforts, including Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
Several areas were badly hit by the flooding, including Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport, and Wigan. Hundreds of people were evacuated after the major incident was declared at 4am on New Year’s Day.
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In Stockport, around 400 people were evacuated from the Meadow Mill apartment complex after the river Tame burst its banks, flooding the car park and lower floors. Meanwhile in Didsbury 445 people were evacuated from the Britannia Hotel, with rescuers in both locations deploying inflatable dinghies to get people to safety.
Powered inflatable boats were also used in Didsbury due to the risk of contaminants in the water. Residents at Meadow Mill also reported being ‘decontaminated’ after wading through flood water to leave the building.
Authorities have said that they took the decision to stand down the major incident following a meeting on January 2. They are now shifting efforts to clearing up damage and getting people back to their homes.
Cars outside Meadow Mill in Stockport -Credit:submitted
Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said: “The flooding on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day caused considerable damage and disruption across Greater Manchester. We have evacuated nearly 1,000 people, half of them on boats, and many from flooded homes.
“Over the past 36 hours, fire crews have worked tirelessly to keep people safe alongside Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue, local councils and a range of partners. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the response for their hard work and dedication.
“I’d also like to thank residents affected for their co-operation, especially as many have been forced out of their homes at the start of a new year. Our focus now is on helping people return to their homes and get back to normality as quickly as possible.”
Manchester airport relief road A555 flooding -Credit:Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News
Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson, said: “Whilst the major incident status has now been stood down, we will be continuing to support councils and other agencies with localised responses in the areas still impacted.
“Our priority remains to ensure everyone’s safety. We’d like to extend our thanks to the communities of Greater Manchester, particularly those in the severely flooded areas, for pulling together and cooperating with the emergency services.
“We hope that normality can resume for everyone shortly, and would advise the public to keep an eye out for information being issued by local authorities, transport services and GMFRS.”
Flooding on Palatine Road in Didsbury -Credit:Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News
Group Chief Executive for GMCA, GMFRS and TfGM, Caroline Simpson, said: “The whole Greater Manchester system has pulled together over the past 48 hours, with our fire service, police, ambulance service and local councils co-ordinating with other partners including Mountain Rescue. We are grateful to all those who worked tirelessly over the Bank Holiday in challenging circumstances to keep our residents safe.
“Our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by the flooding. We will continue working together in the coming days and weeks to help residents and businesses to recover and get back to normal.”