Storm Henk: Fire crews scrambled as devastating floods force thousands to flee holiday park

Trapped residents who had been cut off at Billing Aquadrome have been rescued after walkways were swallowed by flood water.

Residents who live in houseboats at the holiday park were taken away in a dingy operated by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A thousand homes, most of which are caravans, were evacuated from the park yesterday (2nd January) after sirens warned of dangerously high flooding.

It was the first time the warning system had been activated on the site.

One resident, Julie Hodgett who lives at the caravan park, said “it was touch and go” when water levels began to rise.

“The levels were getting higher and higher” she said. “I had to get my car off and two dogs out. I quickly packed a case, then we heard the sirens going and were told to evacuate because the flood breached.”

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The park has flooded as recently as three years ago, but not as badly as this time, says Julie.

“This time I’m told it’s probably breached the caravan. It’s a grim feeling knowing everything is wrecked inside, all mud and the furniture and freezers wrecked.”

The Local Resilience Forum, which is coordinating the evacuation alongside emergency services, said the final 130 residents are being evacuated today and is urging them to leave while possible.

A spokesperson for the LRF said: “While we cannot compel anyone to leave, we are strongly advising people to come with us now so we can bring them to safety in a controlled and coordinated way during daylight hours.”

“While site management will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with the LRF and Environment Agency, anyone who chooses to stay does so at their own risk, so we really do want people to make that choice to come now.”

Some residents have said they haven’t been given any update from Billing Aquadrome since they were evacuated the day before.

In a Facebook post earlier today, Billing Aquadrome said “Park is now in full evacuation, no access will be given until further notice. Thank you for your understanding”

A Severe Flood Warning at Billing Aquadrome has now been downgraded

The Environment Agency recently removed more than a hundred Flood Alerts and Warnings across the Uk, but around 50 remain in place at 14.30.