Key Highlights
- Flooding in St John’s area of Helston after weeks of heavy rain.
- A blocked gully is believed to be the cause of the flooding.
- Elderly residents are reportedly ‘stuck in their homes’ as floodwaters rise.
- Cornwall Council and Devon and Cornwall Police have responded to the situation.
Live Updates: Major Flooding Hits Helston St John’s
The St John’s area of Helston, in Cornwall, is currently experiencing severe flooding following weeks of heavy rain. The issue has been exacerbated by a blocked gully, leading to water accumulation and posing significant challenges for the local community.
Residential Impact and Response Efforts
Elderly residents have reported feeling “stuck in their homes” as floodwaters continue to rise. Local residents have taken matters into their own hands by sweeping out water from their properties and using sandbags to protect their homes, with some even resorting to pumping water manually.
Devon and Cornwall Police are currently on the scene at St John’s, engaging in discussions with residents. However, there have been reports that despite concerns raised about the rising floodwater levels, Cornwall Council has not yet returned to the area to address the issue.
Council Response and Safety Warnings
Despite the ongoing challenges, Cornwall Council has provided a statement. A spokesperson for the council stated, “Highways crews are attending a number of flooding incidents across Cornwall in the wake of Storm Chandra. We are working to address the challenges posed by the swollen River Cober; our efforts are limited by the current river levels.” The council emphasized that their teams are working hard to reopen affected roads as soon as it is safe to do so.
Local authorities have issued warnings for residents and travelers, urging them not to attempt walking or driving through flood water. Cornwall Council’s response highlights the complexities of managing flooding incidents in areas like St John’s, which face additional challenges such as blocked gullies and rising river levels.
Community Solidarity and Ongoing Challenges
The situation has been described as “not good” by local resident Rob Macgregor, who shared his experience with The Packet. Macgregor reported contacting Cornwall Council Highways at 6:20am to report the flooding but stated that no further action had been taken since then. He emphasized, “The situation is not getting better; it’s becoming worse.”
As floodwaters continue to rise, residents are rallying together to manage the damage and protect their properties. Photos and videos shared by residents like Lucy Ufton and Rob Macgregor provide a stark visual of the current conditions in St John’s.
Conclusion
A Community in Need
The flooding in Helston’s St John’s area highlights the challenges faced by communities during severe weather events. While efforts are being made to address the issue, residents remain concerned about their safety and the well-being of elderly neighbors who may be most vulnerable.
As Storm Chandra continues to impact Cornwall, it is crucial that local authorities and emergency services continue to monitor and respond effectively to mitigate the risks posed by flooding. The resilience shown by the St John’s community in these challenging times serves as a testament to their spirit and determination.
