'Major incident' on Isle of Man as floods trap people in homes

  • Video from Nathaniel Edwin.

A helicopter has been brought in to help people trapped in houses on the Isle of Man as a river burst its banks causing "horrendous conditions".

A Coastguard helicopter was pictured over the village of Laxey, on the east coast of the island, as floodwater from the Laxey River surged through the streets, leading to police declaring a "major incident".

The Glen Road in Laxey is closed. Credit: Isle of Man Police

The village, which is about four miles north of the capital Douglas, appeared to be worst hit, although police also reported problems on the coast road and in Onchan as well as a landslip on the mountain road.

This landslip has blocked the island's Mountain Road. Credit: Martin Burns

Flooding led to the closure of two east coast primary schools, with Dhoon and Laxey schools informing parents and staff before the start of the school day.

The situation continues to be monitored and a decision on whether the schools will open tomorrow will be made in due course.

Credit: Isle of Man Police

Reported issues on the roads:

  • Creg Ny Baa back road - closed

  • Main Road through Laxey around the area of the EVF garage/ Bridge pub - closed

  • Glen Road, Laxey - closed

  • Little Mill Road, Onchan - closed

  • The Mountain Road - 'passable with extreme caution'

  • Coast Road, Laxey to Ramsey - standing water

  • Coast Road, Corony to Maughold - impassable

Laxey and Dhoon schools will also be closed all day.

Credit: Isle of Man Police

One witness, Julie Graham, said on Twitter: "Coastguard helicopter on Laxey football pitch. Horrendous conditions, river has burst it's banks, people trapped in their houses.

"The emergency services are doing an amazing job."