Scotland battered by flash floods, torrential rain

LONDON (AFP) – Hundreds of people across Scotland and Wales were sheltering in temporary accommodation on Monday after a weekend of storms and rain brought the mild autumn weather came to an abrupt end.

Eastern Scotland bore the brunt of the storms, with Grampian Fire and Rescue reporting more than 350 calls after rivers burst their banks and sent flood waters pouring into at least two towns in the region.

Rescuers evacuated around 100 people, many of them from a nursing home, after the River Deveron burst its banks and flooded the town of Huntly, 40 miles northwest of Aberdeen.

Officials at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency said the river had risen by eight feet, hitting the highest level since records began in 1959.

On a visit to the town, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said he would do everything to help those affected by the storms and flooding.

"Many people in Huntly and across the North East have had a miserable night and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the flooding," he said, while thanking rescuers for their hard work.

Stonehaven, which lies some 15 miles south of Aberdeen, was also engulfed as the River Carron burst its banks, sending floodwaters pouring into the town centre.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, local official David Fleming said the water in the town centre had reached chest height and that at least 50 people had been rescued from their homes.

The flash floods caused travel chaos across the region, with dozens of roads closed and trains cancelled.

At least five flood warning are still in force in Scotland, including a severe flood warning for the River Dulnain in Morayshire in central Scotland.

Another five flood warnings are in force for northeast England which was also hit by the stormy weather.

Fire crews in Wales were also called out to rescue people caught out by flooding and torrential rains.

At least 13 people were evacuated from their homes and cars, including five adults and baby who were rescued from two homes in Meidrim, some 30 miles west of Swansea.