'Essential travel only' warning in Derbyshire as flooding hits

A major incident has been declared by all local councils and emergency services in Derbyshire as the effects of Storm Babet are felt across the county.

Residents are being urged not to travel unless essential due to most roads across Derbyshire being affected by flooding and many closed following heavy and persistent rainfall.

With the ground already saturated, flooding from rivers is causing major issues on the roads and the Environment Agency has listed a large number of flood warnings and flood alerts for Derbyshire.

All agencies, including Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, district and borough councils, and all the emergency services, are working together round the clock to coordinate work across Derbyshire to protect residents, but the situation is extremely challenging.

Residents are being alerted to the following safety messages:

• never drive or walk into floodwater, even if it appears shallow – it could endanger your life.
• don’t ignore road closed signs. Waves created by vehicles in flooded areas cause more issues for homes and businesses at the side of them, so please do not drive unless essential.
• report life threatening events to the police by calling 999.
• report issues on the roads, such as trees down or flooding, to the county council online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/reportit

Residents are also being urged to look out for vulnerable neighbours, especially if they have care services who may not be able to reach them.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has also issued the following safety advice:

• keep away from river banks and pathways close to rivers. The paths may have become unstable and slippery.
• never enter the water to rescue anyone, or an animal in difficulty in the water. Call 999 immediately and tell them to float on their back
• keep dogs on leads close to water.

For the latest information follow your councils and emergency services on social media, listen to local radio and visit Derbyshire County Council’s regular flooding updates at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/roadclosures