Families Evacuated and Streets Transformed into Rivers
Greater Manchester is grappling with what can only be described as a natural disaster. Torrential downpours over the last 24 hours have caused unprecedented flooding, forcing families to flee their homes while emergency services work tirelessly to rescue people trapped in submerged cars and waterlogged buildings. With over three inches of rain blanketing the region, the devastation is widespread, leaving residents and businesses reeling in its wake.
From Tameside to Stockport, rivers have burst their banks, with canals in the city center spilling over into streets. Residents in Meadow Mill, Stockport, found themselves isolated as water engulfed lower floors and parking areas, requiring rescue by boat. Others told harrowing tales of narrowly escaping water that reached two feet inside their homes, cutting off power and leaving them in darkness.
One Cheadle resident described the scene as “surreal,” recounting how roads turned into rivers overnight. “I’ve never seen anything like it. The water just kept rising—we had to leave everything behind.” Stories like theirs paint a vivid picture of the heartbreaking human impact of this crisis.
Major Disruptions to Daily Life
It’s not just homes and families affected. Roads, railways, and trams have come to a standstill. Multiple key routes are currently impassable, including the A555 Airport Relief Road and busy Manchester Old Road. Meanwhile, train operators have issued warnings against traveling, with tracks near Piccadilly Station under water, resulting in widespread cancellations. Metrolink tram services have also been severely affected, cutting off key lines across the region.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, warning, “all modes of transport have been affected.”
Emergency Services Working Around the Clock
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS) says they’re handling an overwhelming volume of calls, with crews responding to a “high number” of flood-related incidents. From collapsed walls in Broadbottom to submerged lanes in Wythenshawe, their efforts have been nothing short of heroic.
The Environment Agency (EA) reports that dozens of flood warnings remain active, urging residents to take immediate action if living near high-risk areas. They’ve deployed teams overnight to monitor flood defenses, including the rapidly rising Didsbury Basin.
For those in affected areas, the EA advises:
- Turn off gas, water, and electricity if safe to do so.
- Move family, pets, and vital belongings to higher ground.
- Follow official advice from local authorities or emergency responders.
A Region United in Crisis
While the sense of urgency is palpable, so too is the resilience of the community. Locals have taken to social media offering shelter, supplies, or simply words of comfort. Many have shared photos and videos, showcasing the scale of the devastation while urging others to stay safe.
But with more rain expected, the situation remains precarious, and Greater Manchester braces itself for what’s next.
What You Can Do
If you’re in the area, please heed warnings and avoid unnecessary travel. Share this article to inform others in affected regions and help ensure they stay safe.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to monitor this evolving situation. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating flood.