Emergency services work through the night to rescue 1,000 people from caravan sites
Emergency services have worked through the night to rescue more than 1,000 people from the Billing Aquadrome holiday park in Northamptonshire
Police say heavy rain had caused flooding with water up to 5ft deep in places.
Police are continuing to urge people to stay away from the park because of high water levels on the River Nene.
Pictures today show the extent of the flooding
Northamptonshire Search and Rescue were involved in the rescues, which included a new mother and a young baby.
Northamptonshire Police say the park remains closed this morning despite water levels having receded on the River Nene.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has stood down its “major incident” status, but residents are being urged to stay away from the Billing Aquadrome site until it is safe to return.
Power supplies have been affected and engineers are on site trying to restore them.
Most people were able to find overnight accommodation with friends and family, with those affected given special dispensation in relation to Covid-19 restrictions.
Around 100 people went to the Lings Forum Leisure Centre before being taken to the Holiday Inn in Bedford Road where around 100 people spent the night.
The Environment Agency is warning of a severe risk to life from flooding.
It comes after many parts of the Anglia region saw up to a month's worth of rain in 12 hours overnight into Christmas Eve with the threat of more severe weather to come on Boxing Day.
The Agency has issued two severe flood warnings which means 'danger to life'. They are for the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome and nearby business parks along with Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site.
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Severe Flood Warning for Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site
The Environment Agency says heavy rain has fallen across the River Nene catchment over the past few days. Light showers are expected for the rest of the evening Thursday 24th December.
River levels have peaked upstream and flood water is still making its way down the catchment. The Northampton Washlands storage has been fully utilised and deep, fast flowing river water is continuing to flood Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site. The site is being evacuated.
There is now a severe risk to life due to the challenging evacuation conditions and potential for floating debris in flood water.
It is possible that electricity services will also be affected. Follow the instructions of the emergency services. Stay safe, and be aware of your local surroundings. Avoid contact with flood water. We are monitoring the situation, and have staff in the area assisting the emergency services and council.
River Nene at Billing Aquadrome and nearby business parks
The Environment Agency says heavy rain has fallen across the River Nene catchment over the past few days. Light showers are expected for the rest of the evening Thursday 24th December. River levels have peaked upstream and flood water is still making its way down the catchment.
The Northampton Washlands storage has been fully utilised and deep, fast flowing river water is continuing to flood Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park. The site is being evacuated.
There is now a severe risk to life due to the challenging evacuation conditions and potential for floating debris in flood water.
It is possible that electricity services will also be affected. Follow the instructions of the emergency services. Stay safe, and be aware of your local surroundings. Avoid contact with flood water. We are monitoring the situation, and have staff in the area assisting the emergency services and council.