Army on standby for Midlands flooding

THREE army battalions have been put on 24-hour standby to offer rapid response to flooding as part of what the Government describes as its most comprehensive winter preparedness plan.

The preparations follow a Ministry of Defence review of the handling of devastating floods which caused blackouts and forced people from their homes across the country last winter.

Some of the battalions – totalling 1,200 troops – will be based in the Midlands throughout the winter months, ready to respond to calls for assistance from the Government and local agencies. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has also announced £12.5 million for new temporary flood defences, including mobile barriers and high-volume pumps, to be deployed at strategic locations around the country.

The Environment Agency now has four times more mobile flood barriers than last year.

The Army battalions are being trained to assist with the rapid deployment of barriers when needed. Other tasks could include providing engineering and logistics support, and assisting with the evacuation ties.

Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer said: “We want to make sure that people across the United Kingdom keep safe, warm and healthy this winter.

“That is why we are working together to prepare for all that winter may bring, from providing flu vaccinations to specialist equipment and resources to deal with winter flooding.

“With the army standing by, we have the most comprehensive winter plan yet to keep people safe and the country moving.” of affected communi-