Communities remain on high flood alert
RESIDENTS AND businesses remain on high alert as heavy rainfall threatens to bring flooding across Calderdale.
The flood siren was activated in Walsden, Todmorden, by the Environment Agency on Tuesday night as river levels rose following constant rain as Storm Christoph swept the district.
At the time of going to print last night, watercourses and recently completed flood defences in the Calder Valley were holding firm but authorities and emergency services are on standby as more rainfall is forecast until midday today.
The weather also caused disruption to trains on the Calderdale rail network.
Coun Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate change and resilience, said: “Sadly, heavy rain and the risk of floods are becoming more frequent because of climate change.
“That’s why we declared a climate emergency in 2019 and have been working hard with our partner organisations and communities to build flood protection and resilience in Calderdale.
“Council teams and our partners are doing everything we can to prepare for this week’s expected bad weather. We’re urging local residents and businesses to take all the steps they can to protect themselves and their property.
As the Government this week held an emergency meeting over flooding concerns, Halifax MP Holly Lynch said: “People have a sense of PTSD about flooding, every time it rains it brings back memories. It never goes away.”
WINTER WEATHER: Is more snow on the way? See page 27