When floods strike, HM Coastguard is ready to respond 

When floods strike, HM Coastguard is ready to respond 

Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) were quickly deployed to support fellow emergency services responding to major flooding in the Somerset town of Chard as it was struck by heavy wind and rain. 
An HM Coastguard vehicle with blue light on, parked in a road at night

Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRTs) from Burnham-On-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare assembled, supported by a specialist flood response team made up of CROs from south Devon. 

They were joined by three full-time HM Coastguard officers to lead on the ground, as well as a drone team. 

The HM Coastguard contingent joined in the multi-agency response from 26-27 January by assisting in the evacuation of around 150 properties, which included two care homes, and carrying out welfare checks on affected residents. 

Two Coastguard Rescue Officers silhouetted against car lights next to flood waters

 

Senior Coastal Operations Officer Robin Snuggs said: "With our trained volunteers and full-time officers, HM Coastguard stands ready 24/7 to support our fellow emergency services wherever they need assistance.  

"We are proud to have done our bit to help keep the people of Chard safe. Our thoughts are now with people having to salvage their properties damaged by the flooding." 

HM Coastguard was requested to help by the Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum, made up of local public agencies that come together to respond to emergencies. 

When major floods hit, HM Coastguard is ready to respond as one of the UK’s four emergency services, whether by the coast or inland. 

All CROs have water rescue and first aid skills. But some are also taught expertise in flood response. When disaster strikes, they can be brought in from around the country to form specialist Flood Response Teams to support affected areas.  

Training, often alongside other emergency services, can include rescues from flooded vehicles and retrieving people stranded in water. 

 

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