UK
Storm Babet: £37k raised for hard-hit town – but ‘long road to recovery’ ahead
Scotland’s first minister has pledged to support an Angus town that has been left devastated by Storm Babet.
On Monday, Humza Yousaf met those affected by the severe flooding in Brechin after the River South Esk burst its banks during the heavy rainfall.
Mr Yousaf warned that the clean-up would take some time but said the council would receive Scottish government funding to help with the recovery.
Speaking to a resident, he said: “We’ll support you as much as we can.”
He added: “It’s going to be a long road to recovery.”
Mr Yousaf speaking to residents
Six people across the UK have died as a result of Storm Babet.
Wendy Taylor, 57, was swept away in the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday.
Ms Taylor, a director at Errol-based Taylors Snacks, previously known as Mackie’s, was described by her family as a “ray of sunshine” and a “beautiful, kind, funny and caring person”.
Maureen Gilbert, 83, also died after her home in Chesterfield flooded.
Her son told Sky News how he found her body floating in the water at the property.
Mr Yousaf thanked members of the emergency services and Angus Council for their efforts in responding to the flooding
On Thursday, Angus Council mobilised to evacuate hundreds of residents across the region that were at risk of flooding due to the downpour.
Rest centres were set up to accommodate all those forced to leave their homes.
In Brechin, the River South Esk breached defences and flooded River Street.
Brechin residents being evacuated during the storm
Councillor Gavin Nicol, who represents the Brechin and Edzell ward, has warned that some residents could be out of their homes “for months, if not permanently”.
During his visit to River Street, Mr Yousaf said he is yet to have a conversation with the UK government about funding.
Mr Yousaf speaking to Kim Clark as he looks at water damage in her house
He said: “I think it’s important that the assessments are done in terms of the scale of devastation, what the impacts will be and what funding is required.
“Then, of course, if necessary, we’ll have those conversations with the UK government.”
The first minister added: “I’m very keen to give an assurance to residents here that I’ve spoken to, to businesses here that I’ve spoken to, the government is there to support them as much as we can during the long road to recovery.”
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Brechin residents tell Sky’s Katerina Vittozzi that they are ‘upset and exhausted’ after flooding damaged their property
Read more:
Why Storm Babet brought so much rain
Meantime, two fundraisers have been set up for the Brechin residents affected by the storm.
Brechin Buccaneers, a charity cricket club, has raised more than £27,000 to help the townsfolk “rebuild their lives”.
Rosie Galloway looking at the flood water outside her property in Brechin
Local resident John Morrison has also set up a GoFundMe page, which has raised almost £10,000.
Mr Morrison told Sky News the money will be added to the Brechin Buccaneers fundraiser.
He said: “Things are going well under the circumstances. People in part have been able to access their homes to assess the damage.”
Mr Morrison praised the response to the flooding and said locals continue to rally round those affected by offering items to people in need.
He added: “The true community spirit continues as they start to rebuild.
“The donations have been overwhelming from the local community, but also reaching further afield from people who don’t live here.
“The generosity has been outstanding and humbling.”
Mr Morrison hopes the money raised will help “once the dust settles”.
He said: “Especially this close to Christmas too – people will have less. So if it brings a smile and warms a heart, then it’s met its aim.”