Three bridges collapsed and over 50 people were airlifted to safety due to severe flooding in Cumbria, England from heavy rains that caused rivers to overflow their banks. Emergency centers were set up and roads were closed as over 1,000 homes flooded, with some residents trapped on upper floors or rescued by boat or helicopter from the rising waters. The environment minister visited to assess the damage from what officials called a once in 1,000 year flood event.

1. Cumbrian Floods 19 Nov 2009 Mo sbs – the situation is evolving

3. Thursday night Burneside north of Kendal under water Road at the side of Derwent Water shut People advised to stay upstairs Emergency centres established – Sheep + Wool, Cockermouth Booths roundabout under water in Keswick Road into Keswick – under water [R Greta]

5. Initial Synthesis Three bridges have collapsed Footbridge Cockermouth to Brewery North Side in Workington at 0440 – near the railway, rupturing main gas line to town Lorton Bridge on the R Cocker Schools closed 50 to 60 315 mm fell at Seathwaite – most on record

7. Cockermouth 3 Sea King helicopters 50 airlifted 150 by boat – RNLI 30 People trapped in Trout hotel Main Street 8’ 3” Market Place underwater [BBC Allerdale Hotel] Derwent over the banks form the morning – Farmers warned on Radio Cumbria at 0800 previous morning others to move stock

9. Aftermath 1:1000 yr flood Environment minister visits – Hilary Benn £38 million Flood defence at Carlisle proved successful Police Officer though dead 1200 homes flooded More rain expected