The Army has been called in to support civilian efforts to protect flood-hit communities in northern England led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The military is always ready to assist in such emergencies and one company from 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (2LANCS), based in Weeton Barracks near Preston, was deployed to help to build flood defences in Cumbria at 0500 this morning. Ninety-three personnel are assisting the Environment Agency erect flood barriers and with other defence stasks at Appleby, Braithwaite and Warwick Bridge.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Even at Christmas our Armed Forces are keeping us safe. Once again they are responding to the Cumbria floods with a level of commitment that is to be applauded.
Lieutenant Colonel Hamish Cormack, Commanding Officer of 2 LANCS, said:
We stand ready to support the authorities in assisting our local communities in any way we can at this special time of the year. I am proud that our soldiers are able to respond to provide help where required to those in need in Cumbria.
This follows the Army's extensive assistance to emergency response and recovery efforts in Cumbria and Lancashire after Storm Desmond earlier this month. Reconnaissance teams from 21 and 32 Regiment of 170 Engineer Group at Chilwell conducted technical assessments on at-risk and damaged bridges. Troops from 2LANCS deployed to Carlisle and Appleby to conduct search tasks in the towns, and also reached out to isolated rural areas.
Military personnel can provide a vital role in flood relief efforts alongside counterparts from local authorities, emergency services and other Government departments. Military contribution to flooding relief can include filling and distributing sandbags, erecting barriers, assisting residents, evacuating vulnerable residents, examining the condition of existing flood defences, and general duties in support of the local authorities and emergency services.
Note: Any imagery taken of military assistance is due to be made available later today at: www.defenceimagery.mod.uk