Forces help with Cockermouth flood

Friday, November 20, 2009

Britain's armed forces have been assisting Cumbrian emergency services in dealing with the severe flooding in and around Cockermouth.

Three RAF search and rescue helicopters from bases at Valley, Leconfield and Boulmer and two RAF mountain rescue teams helped rescue those trapped or threatened by the floods.

Two engineering teams constructed hard-standings to allow forward operating bases for the helicopters.

Personnel with Land Rovers from RAF Spadeadam provided the police and fire services with additional mobility in the town and Carlisle Castle barracks are being used as a forward base and rest centre for the emergency services.

Cumbria Police led and co-ordinated the overall rescue effort, and 42 Brigade, the regional brigade for the North West, liaised with the police to determinine where military support was appropriate.