Floods Minister Emma Hardy has met with staff from the Environment Agency to discuss the response to the New Year downpour, as heavy rain and high winds caused widespread damage and disruption across parts of the country on New Year’s Eve and the first day of 2025.
Greater Manchester Police declared a major incident after heavy downpours in the region, and over 150 flood warnings were issued across the UK, with either flooding or very high river levels in many areas of England, Scotland and Wales.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
“My thoughts are with the people, businesses and communities impacted by flooding, particularly those in and around Greater Manchester.
“I have met with officials from the Environment Agency to ensure that impacted communities are receiving the necessary support and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the vital work that the Environment Agency and emergency services are doing to keep people safe.
“The Government is working at pace to accelerate the building of flood defences through our new Floods Resilience Taskforce, so we can continue to protect people and their homes.”
The Met Office has also issued a three-day yellow snow warning, coming into force at midday on Saturday 4th January, covering most of England and Wales and some parts of southern Scotland.
