Flood-hit residents who had homes destroyed by Storm Babet face Christmas 'hell'

23 December 2023 , 21:25

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An elderly resident is evacuated by a Coastguard team from a flooded street in Brechin, northeast Scotland, on October 20, 2023 (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Flood hit residents who fell victim to Storm Babet's record breaking rainfall have told of their "living hell" - as they prepare to spend Christmas displace from their homes.

Approximately 400 properties across the Angus area, mainly in Brechin, were gutted as dangerous weather caused damage during Strom Babet in October. Flood prevention defences were installed, but banks burst - leaving a huge repair bill in the area expected to cost £4million.

Months after the devastating rainfall, some in the community are having to spend Christmas stuck in hotels, which are miles from their ruined homes, Sky News reports. As the storm's extreme conditions hit, six people were killed.

Ian and Jane Stewart are pensioners and have lived in their property for nearly four decades, with the terraced house now unrecognisable. The couple are both in their 80s, and said their elderly age has made them more vulnerable to getting back on their feet after the ordeal.

Ian said: "I feel sorry for my wife. She didn't have much money, but she loved the house. Everything else is easier when you're younger, you can get through these kinds of situations. I am 82 now and you just... It's hard. Really hard.

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"When we were flooded in 2002 we were out for over 10 months. That was 20 years ago when we were a bit younger and fitter. Old age creeps up on you and you just struggle a bit."

A vehicle is stuck in a flooded street in Brechin, northeast Scotland (AFP via Getty Images)

When it comes to living in a hotel, the pair described living in a hotel as hell. Households and tenants impacted by Storm Babet have begun receiving Scottish government grants of £1,500, whilst businesses which are impacted are getting £3,000.

It's thought there have been 200 payments made so far, but some people think the support package is not generous enough to assist those who have lost everything. Brechin Buccaneers is a charity cricket club which has raised £100,000.

Grant Hutchison, community development manager, told Sky News: "The initial shock has gone and now we are faced with a second shock when people are getting re-homed into houses with nothing in them. It's £100,000 for 220 ground-floor homes.

Aerial views of Brechin after the River South Esk breaks its banks in the early hours on Friday (Alamy Live News.)

"I know it sounds like a fantastic amount and it is, we are so grateful for everyone worldwide who has donated. But when you break it down £500 for your life's possessions is quite small."

The Scottish government has said it is getting cash to those affected by the flood quickly. A spokesman said: "The Scottish government is committed to playing its part in helping those affected and we have been working closely with Angus Council to support the local recovery.

"If people and businesses affected are yet to make a claim, we urge them to do so by contacting the council or attending the drop-in centres in Brechin."

Charlie Duffield