Menu
14/08/2008
Girl Dies In Swollen River Fall
A five-year-old girl who was swept half a mile by a flood-swollen river, has died despite attempts to save her.
A major search operation began after the girl, from Holsworthy, Devon, fell into the River Stratt at Stratton, near Bude, at around 12.40pm yesterday
She was flown by helicopter to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, (pictured) where efforts to resuscitate her failed and she later died.
Coastguards, helicopters and the RNLI were involved in the operation and the youngster was lifted from the river just before 2.30pm.
She had been swept about 250m downstream from Howell's Bridge car park in Stratton.
It is understood the girl had been walking the dog with her family when she was caught in a "massive downpour" and was swept downstream.
The South Western Ambulance Service Trust said a woman and another child were treated for shock at the scene.
The Environment Agency said there had been about 30mm of rain in the area in the past 24 hours and the river was "fast-flowing".
Peter Robinson from Bodmin Fire Station, who helped in the search said "the river was swollen, muddy and visibility was very poor".
He added that there was a "fantastic" response from emergency services.
"We also had a number of offers of assistance from the public, for which we were extremely grateful," he said.
The rivers Neet and Stratt converge just outside Stratton and the area is currently on flood watch.
The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings for rivers in Devon and Cornwall and 10 lower status flood watches.
Elsewhere, heavy rains and high winds caused transport chaos across the country.
Dozens of homes were flooded in Fife, with some householders deluged by four feet of water.
Flooding caused delays on trains in Scotland, south Wales and the South West and trees were downed by high winds which disrupted trains on lines out of London to the South East. A force 10 gale caused delays of two hours on cross-Channel ferries out of Dover, a spokeswoman for the port said.
(DS)
A major search operation began after the girl, from Holsworthy, Devon, fell into the River Stratt at Stratton, near Bude, at around 12.40pm yesterday
She was flown by helicopter to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, (pictured) where efforts to resuscitate her failed and she later died.
Coastguards, helicopters and the RNLI were involved in the operation and the youngster was lifted from the river just before 2.30pm.
She had been swept about 250m downstream from Howell's Bridge car park in Stratton.
It is understood the girl had been walking the dog with her family when she was caught in a "massive downpour" and was swept downstream.
The South Western Ambulance Service Trust said a woman and another child were treated for shock at the scene.
The Environment Agency said there had been about 30mm of rain in the area in the past 24 hours and the river was "fast-flowing".
Peter Robinson from Bodmin Fire Station, who helped in the search said "the river was swollen, muddy and visibility was very poor".
He added that there was a "fantastic" response from emergency services.
"We also had a number of offers of assistance from the public, for which we were extremely grateful," he said.
The rivers Neet and Stratt converge just outside Stratton and the area is currently on flood watch.
The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings for rivers in Devon and Cornwall and 10 lower status flood watches.
Elsewhere, heavy rains and high winds caused transport chaos across the country.
Dozens of homes were flooded in Fife, with some householders deluged by four feet of water.
Flooding caused delays on trains in Scotland, south Wales and the South West and trees were downed by high winds which disrupted trains on lines out of London to the South East. A force 10 gale caused delays of two hours on cross-Channel ferries out of Dover, a spokeswoman for the port said.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 December 2012
Environment Agency Issues Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings on southern and south west England, south west Wales and the Midlands. Successive bands of heavy rain are moving across England and Wales, and with the ground already saturated, this is likely to lead to property flooding from rivers and surface water as well as disruption to road and rail networks.
Environment Agency Issues Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings on southern and south west England, south west Wales and the Midlands. Successive bands of heavy rain are moving across England and Wales, and with the ground already saturated, this is likely to lead to property flooding from rivers and surface water as well as disruption to road and rail networks.
13 February 2014
Pumps To Tackle Somerset Levels Flooding
The Environment Agency has announced plans to bring in pumps from the Netherlands to begin the work of reducing water levels on the Somerset Levels, which have been flooded for over six weeks. The pumps will be used to divert water and reduce the water level of the River Tone.
Pumps To Tackle Somerset Levels Flooding
The Environment Agency has announced plans to bring in pumps from the Netherlands to begin the work of reducing water levels on the Somerset Levels, which have been flooded for over six weeks. The pumps will be used to divert water and reduce the water level of the River Tone.
13 February 2014
River Severn Reaches Record High
The Environment Agency has reported that the River Severn in Worchester has reached record levels of almost 19ft. Measured at 5am this morning in the city's Barbourne area the water reached 18ft 7in (5.67m) The agency said they expected the river to peak at 19ft (5.
River Severn Reaches Record High
The Environment Agency has reported that the River Severn in Worchester has reached record levels of almost 19ft. Measured at 5am this morning in the city's Barbourne area the water reached 18ft 7in (5.67m) The agency said they expected the river to peak at 19ft (5.
03 February 2014
Severe Flood Warnings Remain
High sea levels, strong winds and large waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding this week, according to the Environment Agency. Severe flood warnings are in force for along the River Severn today, as high sea levels and heavy rain threaten to cause further flooding.
Severe Flood Warnings Remain
High sea levels, strong winds and large waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding this week, according to the Environment Agency. Severe flood warnings are in force for along the River Severn today, as high sea levels and heavy rain threaten to cause further flooding.
29 July 2013
Flood Risks Highlighted As Thunderstorms Replace The Hot Weather
As thunderstorms batter parts of the UK following the three-week long heatwave, the Met Office are warning of flood risks and property damage. However, the hot weather is forecasted to return later in the week, with temperatures up to 30C expected in the south-east. Two flood warnings are currently in place in England and Wales.
Flood Risks Highlighted As Thunderstorms Replace The Hot Weather
As thunderstorms batter parts of the UK following the three-week long heatwave, the Met Office are warning of flood risks and property damage. However, the hot weather is forecasted to return later in the week, with temperatures up to 30C expected in the south-east. Two flood warnings are currently in place in England and Wales.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
