Family's tribute to 'loyal' man who died in car swept away by Storm Babet floods

24 October 2023 , 17:01

1205     0

Peter Pelling was killed in Storm Babet

An “absolutely devastated” family have paid tribute after a man was killed when his car was swept away in the flood waters of Storm Babet.

A search was launched at about 3am on Friday when police received reports of a man trapped in a vehicle in floodwater near Marykirk, Aberdeenshire. A body and a vehicle were recovered on Monday and police have now named him as 61-year-old Peter Pelling, from Arbroath. Police Scotland said there were no suspicious circumstances. In a statement released through the force, his family said: “Peter was a very kind, loyal and hardworking man. He was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, partner and friend. Our family are absolutely devastated by this horrific and tragic accident.

Flooded roads in Aberdeenshire (PA)

Mr Pelling was reported missing on Friday (PA)

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the first responders and all of the emergency services teams involved in what was a particularly challenging rescue, due to the weather and environmental factors surrounding the incident. Their continued efforts over the past few days has been so greatly appreciated. We would like to ask for privacy while we come to terms with this incredible loss.”

Nine people are understood to have died so far from the storm, with one victim a her flooded home. The damage to properties in the hardest-hit areas of is thought to be so severe that some residents may never be able to return home.

A huge clean-up operation has continued in the town of Brechin, where emergency workers were forced last week to rescue residents from their homes in boats as huge downpours turned roads into raging torrents. Local Conservative councillor Gavin Nicol told the Sun: "The flooding will take months and years to resolve. Some residents will be out for months, if not permanently."

Met Office says UK will be battered by monster rain storm with 4 inches falling

Concern is also growing that areas devastated by Storm Babet will experience yet more flooding, as nearly half a month's rain is expected on Tuesday. A yellow warning is in place until 4pm today for several areas, including South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, parts of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Communities in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, in particular, are still recovering from flooding caused by Storm Babet. Up to 50mm of rain is expected as the fresh band of low pressure moves in from the east, forecasters said. The service says "further impacts from flooding are possible".

Antony Clements-Thrower