Snaith flooding: Flood risk could last for 'several days'

Thirty homes and businesses have been flooded in parts of East Yorkshire, with residents warned disruption could last "for days".

Emergency services remain in the towns of Snaith and East Cowick after more than 60 homes were evacuated.

Paul Abbott, from East Riding council, said water levels on the River Aire were being closely monitored.

"At the moment the water isn't going away quickly and we think it is going to be here for several days," he said.

A temporary flood defence in East Cowick, erected after the Aire overtopped on Wednesday, was breached earlier.

Homes and businesses in Snaith face extensive flooding from the River Aire

One Snaith resident said she had lost everything after flood water engulfed her bungalow.

Unable to return to the property, Catherine Lorryman asked a BBC crew to fly a drone over her house so she could see the damage.

The footage shows water up to the roof of the building which was home to Mrs Lorryman, her husband, daughter and son-in-law and her two grandchildren.

"Everything's gone, everything," she said.

"We didn't manage to save anything. We didn't even manage to save any clothes, we've got nothing".

June Blenkins said she had chosen to stay in her house on George Street in Snaith and was hoping the water creeping up her garden would not get into her home.

"My garden slopes down a bit so I am living in hope I might be lucky," she said.

"It might come up to the garage but then go back again."

Another Snaith resident, Adam Petch, said: "It just come up that fast, that quick, you can't believe the amount of water there is. It's just devastating."

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Residents are able to collect sandbags as well as sacks that inflate when they come into contact with water from beside the town's fire station.

The council said it was delivering more sandbags and it had deployed water pumps to East Cowick.

Stephen Hunt, from the council, said: "We'd like to reassure residents that our staff will remain in the area around the clock across the weekend and for as long as they are needed during this emergency situation.

"We would urge residents needing advice and information to please go along to Priory Church, Snaith Library or the town council offices, and our staff will help as much as they can."

The Environment Agency said water levels needed to drop further before a clear-up operation could start.

Frank de Planta, from the agency, said land around the towns known as Ings, were "absolutely rammed full of water and still over-spilling into Snaith and East Cowick".

Mr de Planta said things were "not looking good", adding: "We really need the Aire to drop still further for those Ings to empty and therefore clear that area."

Homes have also been evacuated in East Cowick

The Environment Agency said the washlands along the lower tidal River Aire had filled to capacity

Humberside Police has praised the way flooded communities in East Yorkshire have pulled together.

"The residents have been fantastic," Insp Mark Lovell said.

"Everyone is helping one another, but you cannot underestimate the devastation that floods cause and how difficult it is for people."

Three schools and the railway station have been closed due to flooding and motorists have been advised to avoid the area.

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