24 July 2007
Armed forces provide essential flood relief support in the worst affected areas of the UK
Personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) have joined forces to help with the flood relief.
The RAF responded to over 51 incidents within 48 hours from the Central Midlands, airlifting over 100 people to safety.
Seven search and rescue helicopters from RAF Chivenor, RAF St Mawgan, RAF Valley and RAF Leconfieldland helped to enabled rescues from roof tops, capsized boats and cut of premises.
Royal Navy personnel were called out to assist in the emergency area of Gloucestershire, in response to a request for military assistance.
Additional Navy personnel are on standby and based at the TA centre in Gloucestershire which has become the headquarters for the Navy contribution to the relief effort.
To help flood victims in Oxford and Rushmore, Army stores have also been set up and made available and up to 7000 sandbags were deployed to help stem the rising flood waters.
Soldiers from 22 Engineer Regiment, based at Perham Down, have been working with Royal Navy personnel to assist with reinforcing a power station plant in Castle Mead on the western outskirts of Gloucester.
Flight Lieutenant Rhona Metcalf from RAF Lossiemouth said: “Overall we have used six different helicopter and crews and have undertaken in excess of 60 different tasks rescuing more than 100 people. We are still supporting the flood relief effort and will continue to do so for as long as we are needed.”
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