Tri-Service
Soldiers On 24-Hour Flood Standby Over Christmas
This winter the government has placed 1,200 British Army soldiers on 24-hour standby, ready to deploy and help in case of severe flooding.
Winter flooding in 2015 caused devastation to thousands of people in the UK, forcing many out of their homes over the Christmas period.
Three battalions will be held at a high state of readiness for three months at a time, and can be called upon if needed to support communities nationwide.
The Ministry of Defence want to make the way the military supports authorities like the Environment Agency to be easier and quicker in case of emergencies.
Across the country troops are undergoing flood defence training alongside the Environment Agency.
At Bulford Barracks in Wiltshire the Environment Agency taught around 100 soldiers, from 5th Battalion the Rifles and The King’s Royal Hussars, how to build and waterproof temporary flood barriers, during Exercise Wessex Teal.
Other tasks the soldiers could assist with include providing engineering and logistical support and help with evacuating affected communities.
After the training Staff Sergeant Daniel Sumner of The King’s Royal Hussars felt ready and happy to help if required:
“It’s only right, if it was my house and people had put their hands up and volunteered to help me I would be more than appreciative.Just like I would expect people would be, should we turn up to hopefully save property, lives, people’s valuables and their life savings.”
The military act as a support agency to the Environment Agency and will only be called upon when extra man power is needed.
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