Police warn that evacuation orders / advice should still be taken seriously, as “the structural integrity of the dam wall is still at a critical level and there is still a substantial threat to life should the dam wall fail”.
Image: Severe Weather Updates 2019
An RAF Chinook helicopter was called in last night and so far 200 tonnes of sand and gravel have been transported from nearby Long hill road, to the dam site. Another 200 tonnes are still to be placed on site. The idea is that the weight of the aggregate (sand and gravel) counteracts the shear weight of the water acting on the weak dam wall area. Hopefully this will be enough to stop the dam from breaking, however it is still unsafe to be in the town which is mostly in the direct path of water if the dam were to breach.
The Environment Agency still have a severe flood warning out for the area. Although skies are blue over Whaley Bridge right now, and as a result water levels are dropping, the structural integrity of the dam is still poor. Pumps deployed have managed to drop the water level in the dam by half a metre.
The Environment Agency say “River levels in the River Goyt could still rise rapidly as a result of persistent rain and water coming from Toddbrook Reservoir on 01/08/2019. Evacuation plans are currently underway for the area of Whaley Bridge. If you believe that you are in immediate danger, please call 999. Please be aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with the current situation, and avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.” Although this was issued yesterday, it is still in force for today.
Derbyshire Police have been helping locals. In their most recent update they said “Anyone who has been displaced, and has not already attended the evacuation rendezvous point at Chapel High School, is still able to do so by attending the school in Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0TQ.”
“Further, anybody who does not have their prescription medicine available to them as a result of the evacuation can make sure that they quickly and easily get what they need by calling NHS 111.”
“A residents meeting will be taking place at Chapel High School at 5pm today where representatives from Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and High Peak Borough Council will be available to answer questions from residents.”