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Aberdeenshire Council begins precautionary evacuation of part of Huntly

Aberdeenshire Council is currently working with its partners to evacuate homes and residents in the Meadows area of Huntly.

Water levels in local rivers and tributaries have been rising following heavy rain in the area and flood alerts have been issued by Sepa.

Amid growing concerns, council officers have instigated the precautionary evacuation to try to minimise disruption and damage.

Although there is no flooding at the moment, residents are urged to make their homes and property secure prior to evacuating, before conditions become more difficult.

A rest centre has been opened at the Gordon Schools in Huntly for those displaced by the evacuation and the council is working with its partners to help residents.

It is not compulsory to take shelter at the rest centre, but any residents making other arrangements are asked to inform rest centre staff of their whereabouts.

The properties in the area affected include a care home and assisted accommodation, both of which have their own contingency plans and will make arrangements for appropriate alternative accommodation.

Around 50 private properties are also in the Meadows area and may be affected. The council will assist wherever it can.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Marr Area Manager, Les Allan, said: “We hope the rest centre can help minimise disruption to those in the Meadows area, but it is important that anyone who chooses not to take advantage of this informs us, so that we know they’re safe and where to contact them.

“We should emphasise that at this stage this is purely a precautionary evacuation and there is no serious flooding on the ground as yet.

“But this could change and we want to work with residents to be as prepared as possible for any eventuality.”

Council officers are on the ground and sandbags have been deployed locally – residents in previously affected areas are urged to make use of these.

The council is continuing to monitor water levels in Turriff and Kintore, two other areas which have been causing concern today.

For useful information on how to prepare for possible flooding and other emergencies, please see: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/emergency/planning.asp

SEPA is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide flood information updates regarding rising river levels via their website and hotline service.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “We are now advising residents affected by the flood warning in Huntly and precautionary evacuation that it is safe to return home. Water levels on the River Deveron are dropping and it is hoped that levels will continue to drop over the next few days.”

For more information, please see their website here: http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0845 9881188.

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