By Thushya Mani on November,8 2019
Council has advised public to stay safe as 80mm of rainfall hits Sheffield with River Don bursting its banks; Meadowhall Christmas Live lights switch on was cancelled.
Thousands of disappointed shoppers found themselves stranded at Meadowhall shopping centre when flooding caused the Christmas Lights switch on to be cancelled.
The event had to be called off when the nearby River Don burst its banks after heavy torrential rain.
(Some stayed overnight because it was unsafe to leave on the flooded roads)
People in nearby homes decided to go elsewhere for their own safety but emergency services said their had been no evacuations.
Reportings of several people misbehaving around floodwater is causing concern and people are advised to be responsible and think about their own health and safety.
South Yorkshire Police’s Chief Superintendent Scott Green said:
“Throughout the year, we work closely with our partner agencies to create, test and exercise plans for incidents such as severe flooding. These plans have been put to good use today and continue to be in place throughout tonight and into tomorrow.
He continued:
“A number of residents have chosen to leave their premises for their own safety and our partners including local authorities and the fire service, have supported them to do so. At this time we are not aware of any injuries relating to the floods.”
Julie Willis, 42 shopped at Meadowhall and reported having a minor panic attack during the flood hours as she could not get back to her kids at home. She said:
“I was with my friend coming to watch the lights but it got cancelled. I wanted to get back home to my kids. I felt queasy and had a minor panic attack and a heavy migraine. I got home to them at last but the flooding was overwhelming. I haven’t seen a flood in Sheffield this high, since 2007.”
Follow @SheffCouncil and @sccstreetsahead on Twitter for further updates.
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