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Woman rescued as car is swept away by floods

03-Jan-2012

Environment Agency officers today leapt into action to rescue a woman from her car after it became trapped in flood waters in Chew Stoke, Somerset.

The woman, in her 40s, had attempted to drive her Vauxhall Nova through a flooded ford, when it was swept away and became lodged against a tree in the River Chew.

Two Environment Agency officers were in the area removing blockages from culverts and bridges to reduce the risk of flooding from rivers, after heavy rain had swept across the county.

The officers waded in to the water and fitted the woman with a life vest before pulling her to safety. They also secured the car with rope to prevent it moving further down river and causing flooding.

The woman – who is unable to swim - was treated for shock at the scene. The local fire and rescue service later cordoned off the road to prevent other cars from trying to cross the ford.

Dave White, the Environment Agency officer who pulled the woman from her car said: “ Flood water can be dangerous, and just two feet of flood water can float a car – so we would urge people not to drive or walk through flood waters.

“The Environment Agency is busy taking steps to prepare for and reduce the risk of  flooding during this period of wet weather, and we offer a free warning service for people at risk of flooding. To find out if you are at risk and get early flood warnings, go to our website or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.”