Whaley Bridge dam collapse

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-49189955

shit.

It's potentially anywhere along the Goyt to the Mersey that's in trouble.

A lot of that route is already under red alert before the problem with the dam.

And the issue is to stop the dam going catastrophically they are having to release more water down the Goyt.

So I'm not surprised that there are now evacuations in New Mills. There's no where else for water to go.

If it stays dry overnight that's the best news they can hope for. Depends on how unstable it is though.

Not sure there actually IS a lot they can do.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/weather/whaley-bridge-dam-flood-rain-16685193?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar
Dramatic pictures show worsening situation at crumbling Whaley Bridge dam - it holds back more than 300m gallons of water
These latest images show more of the reservoir wall has crumbled away

This article is a few hours old, but it gives a good visual illustration of how its collapsing.

It's so worrying, we had similar in Rotherham about 10 years ago, they thought the reservoir was going to burst.

Hope it holds and everyone stays safe.

@samanthajonespr same! We live near the bike shop in Whaley. Hope you're okay xx

BBC just said there is a theory that there are cracks in the dam on the reservoir side and the water is getting through that, which is causing the problem.

Which wouldn't be good if thats the case.

Im from near there and still have family in surrounding villages. Thinking of everyone and really hoping it holds...

Thinking of everyone affected, so scary x

@Jackreacherismyhero oh no way!! I bet we know each other! There's so many rumours swirling about the army coming in and also that the dam is starting to buckle. It's hard to know what to believe because we haven't had an official update in quite a long time. Dreading waking up in the morning as I'm sure you are xx

@Jackreacherismyhero oh my god, praying you and yours stay safe.

We stayed in New Mills at Easter. Did a lot of travelling round there. Was such a lovely place and the people were so nice and friendly. Can’t bear to think about what they’re having to deal with now. Gutted for Lyme Park too, such a gorgeous place, we could see it from our cottage. Wish there was something I could do to help. Absolutely loved that part of the world, just so lovely.

All the bridges in New Mills over the goyt are closed now. Those roads are over 100ft above the river. It's beautiful down there and I often take the children for walks and eat chips by the river and hunt for pottery and artefacts from the old mills. Such a historic area and so beautiful.

"There's so many rumours swirling about the army coming in"

What can the Army actually do? The only things I can think of are a) sandbagging (unlikely to be useful in the areas directly at risk rom the dam bursting, but perhaps important elsewhere as it seems they have to out more water into the already-swollen Goyt), and b) manning checkpoints to prevent miscreants going into the evacuated areas. Or is it some kind of magical thinking?

@Bercows oh no. We had such a lovely holiday there. Really fond memories of the place. Praying that bloody dam holds.

samanthajonespr in terms of rumours I would worry about any to do with the army at this stage.

Its been declared a major incident so the army being on standby in case things deteriorate would be normal.

In any case the army being brought in would be a really sensible idea because of the nature of the incident, as they have the engineering skills to deal with emergency infrustructure issues like the structure of a dam failing (I believe this is something that they have to consider dealing with in warzones - remember they don't just blow shit up - engineering is a crucial part of the army - bridge building is better known, but dams would be something that are key infrustructurial buildings so knowledge of their safety is important to the army operates in parts of the world where they might be tactical to destroy or at risk from enemy activity).

So actually the army coming is something I'd view as positive rather than scary. They possibly have more real life experience with dam failure than anyone else.

The army are really good at logistics. They can do all sorts of practical tasks.
I'll be thinking you tonight. I know that's no use at all, but I hope tonight is uneventful and that you can get some sleep.

I had to get permission to drive through the police roadblock at the New Mills junction on the A6 to get home about half an hour ago. The policeman told me I could go home but if I went any further it was on me. Our house is set back and up from the road so we're safe. It is very weird being able to hear only rain and the river in the background and no traffic.

Hope all affected on the thread and families stay safe.

I'm not far away - there seems to be lots of local businesses offering accommodation and food and hot drinks.
I agree about the army not being a necessarily bad thing. It's just extra people to help (who happen to be in military uniform) they have useful skills, vehicles etc. My auntie lives near Worcester and remembers when there was flooding there and the army took people across the river in boats.

Stay safe everyone

There are bound to be some scroats who think it's an opportunity to help themselves to stuff and muck about in an empty village. There will also be people who haven't left who will change their minds, etc.

I've been watching twitter for updates and the "jokes" on there are disgusting. Some people are lower than hades.

Latest update on situation from police

Derbyshire Constabulary has issued an update on the situation in Whaley Brigde.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Swann, chair of the Local Resilience Forum said:

"Over the course of the day we have been dealing with an unprecedented incident at the Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge.

As you will be aware, a wall of the reservoir has been badly damaged during recent heavy rain.

Following an assessment by structural engineers, the decision was taken to stop access to Whaley Bridge and evacuate parts of the village – along with further areas downstream.

At the same time as officers began those actions a multi-agency taskforce – involving the Environment Agency, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, the Canal River Trust and many others, was working on a plan to address the damage to the dam wall.”

The plan to secure the dam wall is to:

• Use 400 tonnes of aggregate to divert water from entering the reservoir and into other surrounding watercourses designed for this purpose
• Use water pumps to remove water from the reservoir to relieve pressure on the dam wall

"Once the above measures reduce the water to a level that is safe, work will then begin on the dam wall itself.

The response to this incident has come from far and wide.

Emergency services from across Derbyshire, the region and across the country have provided support already and will continue to do so in the forthcoming hours and days.

Ten specialist high-volume pumping fire appliances along with specially-trained fire and rescue flood advisors have been brought into the area from around the UK, utilising fire service national co-ordination arrangements.

To move the substantial amount of aggregate into place – a Chinook helicopter will be operating in the area in the coming hours to allow precise placement and divert the flow of the water.

With all that said, at this time the future of the dam wall remains in the balance and I would remind people of the very real danger posed to them should the wall collapse.

I understand that being evacuated from your home is a very difficult decision and it is certainly not one that we make lightly.

The evacuation point at Chapel High School, Long Lane, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0TQ, will remain open through the night and residents will be accommodated if they are unable to make alternative arrangements.

At this moment we have no time that we can give to residents when they will be able to get back into their homes.

However, they should rest assured that all the agencies are doing everything humanly possible to bring the incident to a conclusion, however, that timescale is currently unknown.”

Above the latest update from the MEN live page.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/reservoir-sealed-police-people-told-16681771

So a Chinook is the army... so army are now involved.

And from what they are saying about the plan, its going to be a few days (at least - probably longer) before some people are allowed home as its going to be time consuming to make it safe.

I've not seen any jokes on twitter, just offers of help

www.derbyshire.police.uk/news/derbyshire/news/news/north/2019/july/deputy-chief-constable-provides-update-on-whaley-bridge-incident/
This is the derbyshire police official link to the same statement so that people know where to look if there are any more in future.

Yes, I know a bit about the Army! But what actually is it that they are doing?

I've seen in the news that RAF are involved (Chinook blowing water away).

Forecast for today is generally dry this morning. There's a chance of some showers or rain this afternoon and evening, I'm hoping they will stay east of the region, but can't promise that.

(remember I'm an amateur forecaster, please use the met office for official forecasts)

The army engineers build dams and reservoirs overseas amongst other things. The right people from the army will be a huge help to those trying to resolve this, combined with the resources/equipment they have and sheer numbers to help and support those on the ground their help will be invaluable.