Major clean up underway in Devon as flood warnings remain (From Mid Devon Star)

Major clean up underway in Devon as flood warnings remain

6:02pm Monday 9th July 2012 in News

A major cleanup operation is underway in south Devon after heavy rain and severe flooding hit the region.

Flood warnings are still in place in parts of the county, including on the Stour and Exe rivers, after a month’s worth of rain fell in just 24 hours.

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has visited the area to speak with victims of the flooding.

Ms Spelman thanked the Met Office in Exeter for its work in warning people about the bad weather.

Yealmpton was one of the places worst affected by the rain where more than 80mm (3.1in) fell in 24 hours. Forecasters are predicting more changeable weather this week with mainly light and patchy rain.

Officers South Hams District Council said they had worked alongside the emergency services at the weekend to help people affected in the Modbury and Yealmpton areas.

It added that leaflets were being handed out to residents about how to clean up safely, and businesses - particularly food retailers - were being contacted to see what assistance they required to reopen.

South West Trains said flooding was disrupting train services in the Axminster area and it was unable to serve stations between Yeovil Junction and Honiton. It said a normal service was not expected to resume before Wednesday. The Environment Agency says people can check its website, as well as its Twitter feed and Facebook pages for the latest information. Its flood line service - on 0845 9881188 - can also provide advice.