Rising flood pressure

Nine killed and 100s of homes are evacuated as rivers burst banks

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

THE death toll from Storm Babet rose to nine yesterday as hundreds of homes had to be evacuated amid rising flood waters.

Parts of the north and east of England, and Scotland, have seen at least a month's worth of rain since Thursday, when the storm first hit.

Winds up to 80mph and heavy rain brought chaos to travel and damage to businesses and homes. Jenny Scott, a councillor in Brechin, Scotland, said: "It was absolutely horrendous." With rivers still at dangerous levels, more than 150 flood warnings remain in place for today and tomorrow as the water drains towards the sea. Four severe warnings, three in Derbyshire and one in Wales, indicated a significant risk to life.

Katharine Smith, flood duty manager for the Environment Agency, said: "Severe river flooding impacts are probable in parts of the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

A "Ongoing flooding is probable on some larger rivers including the Severn, Ouse and Trent through to Tuesday." The latest victim, housebound Maureen Gilbert, 83, was found in her flooded home yesterday by worried relatives. Maureen lived downstairs in the property as she was unable to go upstairs.

The grandmother had lived on the street in Chesterfield, Derbys, all her life. It is believed water in the street was chest height.