Responding to emergencies
Storm Babet (October 2023) has caused much damage across the UK, and our waterways have suffered considerable damage.
So many of our colleagues and volunteers have worked tirelessly to help control water levels, assist boats and keep everybody safe.
Heroic actions by volunteers
In the East Midlands, one of our volunteers rescued a member of the public who had fallen into the Erewash Canal in Sandiacre. Other volunteers have been salvaging items and cleaning up spaces in our Torksey Lock office, after it flooded during the storm. Works were carried out across the region to free up sluices, check weir levels and keep culverts and by-washes clear.
Helping boaters
In our London & South East region, South Oxford Canal likely felt the most impact, with high water volumes inundating our flood structures, resulting in a number of overtopping incidents. At Somerton Deep Lock 34, the water was so high the lock couldn't be emptied. The local team attended and assisted boats through the lock so they could turn around. They also worked flat out keeping weirs clear, lifting flood paddles and managing locks.
The SCADA reading at Ontario Bridge recorded a high of 1024mm above normal water level. This caused towpath flooding and overtopping at Clitheroes Lock.
