Rescue teams reach cut-off communities in Cumbria and North Yorkshire

In December 2015 Storm Eva hit the UK, causing over £2 billion in damage. Heavy rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks, flooding homes and damaging infrastructure. Serve On was asked to deploy water rescue and community support assets across Cumbria and North Yorkshire – including in Tadcaster, where Tadcaster Bridge collapsed causing mass disruption.

Specialist water teams crossed flooded areas to reach cut-off villages, our own drones and partner air assets were used to capture aerial imagery, and volunteers helped shore up hospitals and businesses. As the water receded, volunteers worked with the local community to help clear up the debris and begin recovery efforts.