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Labour: Storm Ciara ‘the reality of the climate crisis’

FLOODS and gales that have brought chaos to Britain as Storm Ciara hit from the west are “the reality of the climate crisis,” Labour warned today.

Hundreds of homes, businesses, schools and other buildings were flooded following torrential rain and high winds and tens of thousands were without electricity.

International and domestic flights were also cancelled and many town centres were heavily flooded with shopkeepers desperately trying to protect their businesses.

In Calderdale in West Yorkshire the River Calder broke through defences and a lorry container was swept down the main road linking the Pennine communities of Todmorden and Hebden Bridge as the road became a river.

In neighbouring Mytholmroyd the town centre was under a yard of water and many homes were flooded. Rail services were thrown into chaos across the country, and many ferries were cancelled.

Scotland, where 1,200 homes were reported to be without power, was believed to be the worst hit by the storm.

Shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said: “I want to thank emergency services, the Environment Agency and communities who have worked tirelessly to protect homes and businesses, rescue people and animals from rising waters and reinforce flood defences.
 
“The reality of the climate crisis is that more extreme weather will happen more often and with devastating consequences.

“Insufficient funds are being spent on protecting the most vulnerable communities from flooding and the consequences of extreme weather.”

Members of general union GMB are among those called out in environmental emergencies such as floods.

GMB national officer Kevin Brandstatter told the Star: “Our members are working around the clock to protect and assist those affected by this devastating flooding.

“They are going above and beyond in the most testing and trying circumstances to keep people safe and limit the damage.”

 

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