News Release

Aberdeenshire residents urged to prepare for potential flooding after heavy rains

8th August 2011

Aberdeenshire Council is urging all households and businesses previously affected by flooding in heavy rains to take precautionary action.

Sepa has issued a flood alert for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City today (Monday) and council officers are concerned about water levels in the Huntly, Kintore and Turriff areas.

All householders in these areas who believe their properties may be at risk should prepare for possible flooding.

Council officers are monitoring the situation locally and are ensuring sandbags are available locally.
 
Some localised flooding is expected, with particular concern for the Meadows area of Huntly and low-lying areas at Turriff.

The Meadows area of Huntly suffered badly from flooding as a result of heavy rain in 2009. Aberdeenshire Council agreed in April this year to set aside £2.9million towards a flood protection scheme for the town.

Water levels in local rivers and smaller watercourses have risen after heavy and prolonged rainfall which has affected much of the area over the last 36 hours.

Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads and landscape services, Philip McKay, said: “We have officers on the ground monitoring the situation closely at the moment and we do have concerns about the water levels in some areas.

“Those who have previously been affected by flooding in the Huntly area should be particularly vigilant and take steps to prepare.

“The council is working on the ground with colleagues from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and Grampian Police, and is providing support locally, but residents should take all reasonable precautions.”

For useful information on how to prepare for possible flooding and other emergencies, please see: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/emergency/planning.asp

SEPA is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide flood information updates regarding rising river levels via their website and hotline service.

For more information, please see their website here: http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0845 9881188. 

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