Elderly couple lose everything after Storm Babet floods their home

24 October 2023 , 13:48

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Alec and Betty McDonald had to flee their house so quickly they didn't have time to grab any personal items (Image: No credit)

An elderly couple from Scotland had to quickly leave their home due to Storm Babet, leaving behind everything including Alec McDonald's false teeth. Betty McDonald, 75, and Alec McDonald, 83, were forced to evacuate their house in Brechin as floodwaters rushed in.

Alec told the Daily Record: "We were listening to the news and knew the storm was on its way then we were asked to evacuate." He added, "We've lost everything - I don't even have my false teeth."

After the flood, Alec returned to their ruined home filled with dirty water. He said, "I went back to see what was left of our home and I was devastated. Everything is destroyed inside. The watermarks were half way up the hall walls."

Alec and Betty McDonald had to flee their house so quickly they didn't have time to grab any personal items (Collect)

The couple, who moved to Brechin from Dundee five years ago, are now staying with their daughter. Alec expressed his concern about being a burden and shared the devastation in their town, saying, "Everyone who lives in Brechin is devastated. There isn't one home untouched."

"Even my vegetable garden has been swept away."

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"It's mostly pensioners who live here and I've already been told repairs will cost thousands. I have no idea where we will get the money from."

Their granddaughter Natalie has now set up a fundraiser to help her grandparents rebuild their lives. Despite the devastation, the couple want to stay in Brechin and are looking for a new home.

Humza Yousaf visited Brechin on Monday, and told locals it will be a "long road to recovery" for the area. He was heard to tell one: "We'll support you as much as we can."

The storm claimed two lives in Scotland and searches continue for a man reported missing to police last Friday who is said to have been trapped in a vehicle in floodwater in Marykirk, Aberdeenshire.

Alec and Betty McDonald had to flee their house so quickly they didn't have time to grab any personal items (Collect)

Wendy Taylor, 57, died on Thursday after being swept into the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, and a 56 year old man was killed the same day after a falling tree hit a van near Forfar in Angus.

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* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Iona Young