Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Perranporth at 10/03/2008 18:18

Firefighters from Perranporth, Newquay and St Columb pumped floodwater from properties on the seafront. Three major pumps and a High Volume Pump were used when a tidal surge caused flooding along Beach Road and Tywarnhayle Square.

UPDATE 2030hrs: A public house, cafe, chemist and some domestic properties are affected by flooding caused by tidal surges. The floodwater is being pumped away using three major pumps and Newquay's High Volume Pump. The High Volume Pump is a national resource which can pump large volumes of water and was used at the recent major flooding in Gloucestershire.

UPDATE 2050hrs: Three major pumps and the High Volume Pump are now working to remove the floodwater at a rate of about 10,000 litres per minute to protect the properties in the vicinity.

FINAL UPDATE: The High Volume Pump had completed pumping by 2140hrs. The other pumps continued working for some time, with the last crews leaving the scene just after midnight.

General Advice:
During a flood
Never try to drive through flood water — 80% of flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Avoid walking through flood water, streams or rivers in full flow — just six inches of rapidly moving water can knock a person over.
If you have to evacuate your home or workplace turn off those utilities you can access.
Avoid driving unless you journey is absolutely necessary.