Military deploys to provide flood relief during Storm Dennis
British Army personnel have deployed to assist civil authorities with the provision of flood relief to local communities in West Yorkshire.
Army personnel aiding the Environment Agency in Ilkley and Calderdale. Crown copyright
Storm Dennis is expected to bring heavy rainfall, seventy-five personnel from 4 Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, will be aiding the Environment Agency in constructing barriers and repairing flood defences in Ilkley and Calderdale.
An additional seventy Reservists from 4 Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, have also been tasked with providing support where required. Military assistance is expected to last throughout the day.
Army personnel aiding the Environment Agency in Ilkley and Calderdale. Crown copyright
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
Our armed forces are always ready to support local authorities and communities whenever they need it. The rapid response of the Army today will help with provision of flood relief to local communities in West Yorkshire.
The Government won’t hesitate to use all means at its disposal to mitigate the effects of Storm Dennis.
Colonel Nigel Rhodes, Deputy Commander of 4 Infantry Brigade and HQ North East said:
4 Infantry Brigade and troops from the 4 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and 4 Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment have deployed overnight to West Yorkshire in support of the Environment Agency, local authorities and emergency services to bolster flood defences and mitigate the effects of Storm Dennis in Ilkley and the Calder Valley.
Troops will remain on task as long as required. 4 Infantry Brigade is based in Catterick and serves the communities of Yorkshire and the North East and are happy to be doing our bit and contributing to the swift response from the civil agencies.