Almost 600 homes evacuated in Lincolnshire with more rain expected to fall
Video report by ITV News Correspondent Neil Connery
Almost 600 homes have been evacuated in Lincolnshire after severe flooding caused the River Steeping to burst its banks.
The town of Wainsfleet has been badly affected by the deluge, as police admitted emergency services were "still struggling to cope with the level of water".
The Environment Agency said the Wainfleet area experienced two months’ worth of rain in just two days – with 132mm between June 10-12, which is considers “an unprecedented event”.
Average rainfall in a month in the area is 48-70mm, and the Met Office predicts up to 20mm more rainfall in Wainfleet over the next two days.
Lincolnshire County Council said people living in 590 homes have been told to evacuate as of Saturday afternoon.
The multi-agency operation has seen personnel brought in from a range of authorities, including the RAF, all three emergency services and the Environment Agency.
Speaking to ITV News, Deputy Chief Constable Craig Naylor, who is leading the evacuation on behalf of Lincolnshire Police, said: "The river is still causing a threat and there are cracks on the banks of the river further along" which could cause further issues for communities.
He added police are "trying to work with the community to understand who the most vulnerable and to ensure if they want to move, we help them to move".
He urged people to move to safety, despite the improving conditions as rescuers are "still struggling to cope with the level of water".
The efforts of rescue workers have been praised by the area's MP, Conservative Matt Warman. He said the area is "by no means out of the woods yet" when it comes to floodwaters.
He told the Press Association on Saturday evening: "In terms of the response, we have seen an incredible working together of the agencies."Local people should keep an eye on the police because there is still the potential for risk to homes and lives.
"But in the long term, it will always just be a huge thank you."
An RAF Chinook helicopter has been working for a second day to plug holes in the banks of the River Steeping after it was breached in parts.
The Environment Agency said it was pumping water away from flooded communities into a seperate river system in a bid to prevent any more damage to property.
It added it is preparing to move temporary road barriers from within the county to the A52 to help the evacuation routes stay clear of flooding.
Despite efforts of the engineers, flood water has managed to enter a critical pumping station, sparking fears it may fail.
In a statement on social media, Lincolnshire County Council warned people not to use petrol or diesel generators indoors to generate power.
It said: "Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide which can kill in a confined space - carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal."