Areas of Greater Manchester have started the new year under water as ‘heavy and persistent’ rainfall overnight led to ‘significant’ and ‘severe’ flooding.
More than three inches of rain fell in parts of the region. It has seen stretches of our rivers rise to record levels and burst their banks. Roads have been submerged and homes in some areas have been left in two feet of water.
A major incident has been declared as emergency services continue to be bombarded with calls about threats to life, stranded vehicles and damaged properties.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who are co-ordinating the response with the fire service, said that said that Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan were the areas which had seen the greatest impact.
Major incident declared by emergency services as they tackle ‘severe flooding’
Many residents have said they have been forced to flee their homes due to fears over their safety. At Meadow Mill in Stockport, the ground floor of the apartment block, which contains commercial premises, has also been flooded, leaving people in the 213 apartments above stranded. A fire service water rescue unit is at the scene.
A number of major roads have been rendered inpassible. They include the A555 Airport Relief Road in Stockport where pictures showed the occupants of several vehicles having to be rescued after their vehicles became stuck.
Here we round-up the collection of dramatic images we have been taken and been sent of the impact the floods are having around the region.