Water is being pumped away from residents’ homes in Catcliffe 

Flooding in Catcliffe

The flood water at Catcliffe is receding as work begins to pump water away from residents’ homes hit by Storm Babet. 

Rotherham Council has been on site for the last three days including working both Friday and Saturday nights setting up emergency accommodation and hotels for those impacted most by the flooding. 

Emergency services evacuated 120 homes in the area in the early hours of Saturday morning as the River Rother rose to its highest level recorded. 

Residents were given shelter and food at the rest centre set up with the local parish council at Catcliffe Memorial Hall, which has been open since evacuations began. 

The Environment Agency has been assessing the water levels and pumps have now been put in place to drain the water, with support from council officers on site. 

Councillor Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council said:

“I have been on site at Catcliffe today and yesterday talking to residents and hopefully providing some reassurance that things are being done to get the water away from people’s homes so they can get back into them, which is the number one priority here. 

“I have seen for myself the impact and devastation this has had on people and their families, and my heart goes out to those affected by the floods across the borough, including Catcliffe. 

“Our teams have been out supporting communities since Friday, distributing hundreds of sandbags in key areas and to properties thought likely to be affected.” 

The Council has been working with partners and volunteers across the weekend, with teams continuing their on-the-ground support. 

Rotherham Council’s Chief Executive Sharon Kemp added:

“We have seen some fantastic shows of togetherness as communities pull together to support us in minimising the impact of Storm Babet. This includes supporting wider efforts to pump water away from homes. A huge thank you to those who supported and continue to support at this time.” 

Staff have been in Catcliffe throughout the weekend ensuring residents were given temporary accommodation where needed, either in hotels or in emergency accommodation. This will continue until residents are able to get back into their homes. 

The rest centre set up in the early hours of Saturday morning has stayed open across last night and into today, to ensure residents have somewhere to get dry and have some hot food.  

This is still open and will be up until 10pm tonight and back open again in the morning. Staff there can help signpost people to relevant services to help with any issues from housing to insurance.  

While the worst of the storms are over, there are predictions of light rain from Tuesday, and water levels will continue to be monitored and appropriate action taken, where necessary. 

Flood alerts and warnings will remain in place until water levels reach less dangerous levels. Whilst the weather has improved, there remains surface water on some roads and the advice to residents is to not to walk or drive through flood waters. Six inches of fast flowing water is enough to knock someone over, while two feet of water is enough to float a car. 

Residents who need further assistance are asked to call customer services on 01709 382121. 

For further updates from the council and other agencies on the flooding, including any road closures, you can sign up to our residents’ newsletter here: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/stay-connected  

Updates are also on the council’s dedicated webpage: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/floods   

Residents are also encouraged to report any signs of crime to the police via 101, or in an emergency 999. 

The image shows flooding in Catcliffe and was taken on 21 October 2023 at 3pm.

Published: 22nd October 2023