In a shocking start to the new year, widespread flooding has struck Greater Manchester, prompting authorities to declare a major incident on the morning of January 1, 2025. Residents across the region woke up to find their streets and homes inundated with water, as heavy rains and high winds battered the area overnight.
Emergency Services Overwhelmed by Flood Chaos
The Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services have been inundated with reports of damage, risk to life, and stranded vehicles as a result of the New Year’s Day deluge. Chief Superintendent Colette Rose described the situation as requiring a coordinated effort from all emergency services and key partner agencies to keep people safe.
Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies.
– Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, Greater Manchester Police
Residents Trapped and Distressed
For many residents, the flooding has left them trapped and without basic utilities. Helen Scott, who lives in a converted mill in Stockport, described waking up to find the entire first floor of her building submerged, with no running water or electricity. Fire brigades have been using boats to bring in fresh water to stranded residents.
The human impact of this disaster is heart-wrenching, as people grapple with the sudden upheaval and destruction wrought by the floodwaters. For many, the joyous celebrations of New Year’s Eve have quickly turned into a waking nightmare as 2025 begins.
Infrastructure and Transportation Crippled
The floods have also severely impacted transportation and infrastructure across Greater Manchester. Abandoned vehicles can be seen submerged in water on city streets, while train lines have been blocked by flooding and falling trees. Road closures and public transportation disruptions are wreaking havoc on the region.
- Blocked train lines between Swansea and Shrewsbury, and Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno Junction in Wales
- Canceled New Year’s Day events including open water swims and park runs
- Impassable roads cutting off access to attractions like Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire
A Month’s Worth of Rain Unleashed
The Met Office reports that parts of northwest England have experienced around a month’s worth of rain in just two days. Honister Pass in Cumbria saw nearly 150mm of rainfall, while Rochdale endured 77mm. Over 130 flood warnings remain in place across England, with 10 in Wales and 32 in Scotland.
There’s still probably likely to be further flooding across the course of the day, I’m expecting further issues this afternoon. We are potentially expecting the flood situation to get worse before it gets better.
– Tom Morgan, Met Office meteorologist
Tragedy Amidst the Chaos
Sadly, the severe weather has already claimed at least one life. Mountain rescue teams recovered the body of a man who had been walking his dog on Helvellyn in the Lake District. The man fell 180 meters to his death in the appalling weather conditions. It took 68 rescue workers two days to locate his body and his dog, which miraculously survived on a ledge.
As the clean-up begins and more rain is expected, the people of Greater Manchester and emergency responders face a long road ahead. This devastating start to 2025 will likely be remembered as one of the worst New Year’s Day floods in the region’s history. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster.
