Emergency services have stood down a major incident after flooding hit Greater Manchester.
The major incident was declared at 4am yesterday, Wednesday, after heavy and persistent rainfall throughout New Year’s Eve and continuing into New Year’s Day caused flooding across the region.
Bolton was one of the worst-hit areas, with flooding experienced in the Westhoughton and Turton areas.
In total, the fire service attended over 100 separate incidents and evacuated nearly 1000 people, in many instances leading people to safety from their flood-stricken homes or vehicles – including many elderly or vulnerable residents.
There have been no casualties or reports of serious injuries.
Now, the major incident has been stood down with emergency services and partners now focusing on recovery efforts.
GMFRS 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 1000 people, half of them on boats, and many from flooded homes.
Flooding (Image: Steven Kearsley, Bolton News Camera Club) “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.
Read more: ‘Major incident’ declared as emergency services respond to flooding incidents
Read more: Praise for emergency services which helped with the flood relief effort in Bolton
“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.”
GMP 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.”
Bolton Mountain Rescue were part of the emergency response to the incident.
They helped at emergencies at a large block of flats in Stockport and at a flooded hotel in Didsbury.