Flooding response moves from rescue to recovery as major incident stood down

• Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) issue joint update on multi-agency response to flooding across Greater Manchester

The major incident declared in response to the widespread flooding across Greater Manchester has been stood down, with emergency services and partners now focusing on recovery efforts, following plans put in place by our Local Resilience Forum.

At 4am on Wednesday 1st January, a major incident was declared after heavy and persistent rainfall throughout New Year’s Eve and continuing into New Year’s Day caused flooding across Greater Manchester, particularly in parts of Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan.

A Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) was set up, chaired by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), to co-ordinate the emergency services response. Following a meeting of the SCG this morning, the major incident declaration has been stood down.

Rescue operations focused on a number of areas where the impacts of flooding were most severe.

At Meadow Mill in Stockport, residents of a converted mill were evacuated by emergency services due to the flooding after a loss of power and water supply. Approximately 400 people were evacuated, with emergency services assisted by mountain rescue teams. At the Britannia Hotel in Didsbury, 445 people were evacuated after flooding cut off power and water supplies. The flood water was hazardous due to contaminants and its speed of flow, so people were evacuated using powered inflatable boats.

Elsewhere in Didsbury, about 50 properties were evacuated through the course of the afternoon and evening of New Year’s Day. Widespread flooding of properties and roadways in Platt Bridge, Wigan also led to evacuations. At Lancaster Works in Harpurhey, about 100 people who had been attending a New Year’s Eve event became stranded due to rising floodwaters. They were walked to safety once the water had subsided.

In total, GMFRS attended over 100 separate incidents, in many instances leading people to safety from their flood-stricken homes or vehicles – including many elderly or vulnerable residents. There have been no casualties or reports of serious injuries.

Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel, said:

“The flooding on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day caused considerable damage and disruption across Greater Manchester. We have evacuated nearly 1,000 people, half of them on boats, and many from flooded homes.

“Over the past 36 hours, fire crews have worked tirelessly to keep people safe alongside Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue, local councils and a range of partners. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the response for their hard work and dedication.

“I’d also like to thank residents affected for their co-operation, especially as many have been forced out of their homes at the start of a new year.

“Our focus now is on helping people return to their homes and get back to normality as quickly as possible.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said:

“Whilst the major incident status has now been stood down, we will be continuing to support councils and other agencies with localised responses in the areas still impacted.

“Our priority remains to ensure everyone’s safety. We’d like to extend our thanks to the communities of Greater Manchester, particularly those in the severely flooded areas, for pulling together and cooperating with the emergency services.

“We hope that normality can resume for everyone shortly, and would advise the public to keep an eye out for information being issued by local authorities, transport services and GMFRS.”

Group Chief Executive for GMCA, GMFRS and TfGM, Caroline Simpson, said:

“The whole Greater Manchester system has pulled together over the past 48 hours, with our fire service, police, ambulance service and local councils co-ordinating with other partners including Mountain Rescue. We are grateful to all those who worked tirelessly over the Bank Holiday in challenging circumstances to keep our residents safe.

“Our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by the flooding. We will continue working together in the coming days and weeks to help residents and businesses to recover and get back to normal.”

The Growth Hub has a support line to help businesses affected as they deal with the immediate aftermath and recovery. Businesses can call 0161 359 3050 or email bgh@growthco.uk

Article Published: 02/01/2025 17:04 PM