Rain affects Borders roads
Monday, September 8 2008
Following a period of prolonged heavy rainfall between Friday 5 and Sunday 7 September a number of areas in the Scottish Borders experienced problems with flooding and a number of rivers reached warning level during Saturday.
The emergency services and Scottish Borders Council worked together to respond to a variety of incidents. The Borders Search and Rescue Team was also involved in the rescue of a party of hillwalkers on the Cheviot hills
Flooded roads and fallen trees caused problems across the area but the most seriously affected was in the Bowmont and Kale valleys to the south of Morebattle.
Intense rainfall in that area has resulted in substantial damage to road bridges and section of road. Additional problems were the loss of some electricity supplies and damage to telephone lines.
Ian Hogarth, Emergency Planning Officer at Scottish Borders Council, said: “While the rainfall subsided later on Sunday, the level of flood water remains high and this is hampering the efforts of the Council and other agencies to carry out a full assessment of the damage and start the process of repairs. Due to the damage to roads and bridges an estimated 20 rural households remain isolated.
“Engineers from Scottish Borders Council are currently in the area with a view to identifying viable options for repairs but warn it could take sometime to restore normality. Telephone contact is being maintained with the affected households and a helpline has been set up.
Although electrical supplies have been restored, Scottish Power is continuing to carry out work in the area and BT is working to repair faults but restricted assess means that not all faults can be repaired immediately.
The Scottish Borders Council Helpdesk number for residents of the Bowmont/Kale valley is 01835 826546. This line will operate from 9a.m. to 4:30p.m. daily.
Outwith these times, calls should continue go to the Council’s Out of Hours Service on 01896 752111.
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