Multiple people have been rescued from floodwaters across Leicestershire as emergency services battle rising water levels. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) declared a major incident at 7.35am today (Monday, January 6) as calls for help continue to flood in.
The service revealed more than 200 emergency calls have been received since this morning, with crews attending incidents involving cars stuck in flood water and evacuating residents from their homes. Emergency response teams from every fire station across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are currently deployed to tackle the crisis, with the service confirming that 17 people had been rescued.
Appliances from all stations across the service are actively responding to incidents involving rising water levels too, the fire service said. LFRS confirmed crews are working to assist those in need and keep people safe.
READ MORE:Live Leicestershire traffic updates as flooding impacts major roads
More than 200 emergency calls about flooding have been made
(Image: Dave Batey)
Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Judi Beresford said: “Flooding poses a serious risk to lives and property, and we urge everyone to take these warnings seriously. Our Control room and crews are working tirelessly to assist those in need and to keep people safe.”
She added: “We are working with our partners to reduce the impact of this major incident and ask the public to avoid flooded routes when travelling and never to enter floodwater.”
The fire service has urged residents to take immediate action if their property is at risk of flooding. LFRS said this includes implementing flood action plans, moving important documents upstairs, and contacting their local council about sandbags.
Drivers have been warned by the service to plan journeys carefully and check local updates before travelling. Emergency services say flood water is often deeper than it appears and urge motorists to find alternative routes if they encounter flooding.
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