It has been an eventful week for our Search and Rescue team as we responded to multiple calls for assistance in addressing the flooding situation in Berkshire.
Our involvement began on Friday, January 5th, when we deployed our Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS or drone) in Marlborough, following a request from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) through Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WilSAR). Subsequently, we extended our efforts along the Kennet River between Newbury and Pingewood on Sunday.
The challenges intensified on Monday when our team was placed on alert for flooding in Wraysbury, anticipating a further 6-inch rise in water levels within the next 12 hours. By midafternoon, our water team was activated, operating from the village hub with support from vigilant flood wardens and dedicated community volunteers, alongside the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue.
The primary objective was to assess the well-being of numerous vulnerable residents who found themselves isolated in their homes due to the escalating floodwaters. At 1600 hrs, Water Team 1 commenced the challenging task of wading through the now-flooded streets to conduct welfare checks.
As the magnitude of the task became apparent, exacerbated by the harsh cold and snowy weather conditions, and the ongoing rise in water levels, Water Team 2 was swiftly dispatched to assist in managing the extensive operation. Both teams persisted in their efforts until the early hours of the morning, navigating often waist-high floodwaters in the streets of Wraysbury. Fortunately, all the vulnerable residents we were tasked with checking upon were found safe and well, despite some of them facing challenges such as lack of heating and electricity.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue remained on-site overnight, eventually evacuating some of the residents in need. We express our gratitude to the residents of Wraysbury for their generous support, numerous cups of tea, and the warm welcome extended to our teams, including a thoughtful delivery of pizza late in the evening, Also to Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue for entrusing us to deploy our skilled water team in aiding the welfare, search and rescue efforts.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue - Facebook
Oh and just to put it into perspective, one of our water team calculated that 1.4 Billion litres of water pased us by in the 12 hours or so during our deployment!