November 23, 2009

Britain's RSPCA has deployed at least 60 specially trained staff across Cumbria to offer rescue assistance during serious flooding.

The staff deployed on Friday and were expected to be at work in the region for four days.

Heavy rain fell across Britain and Ireland, but Cumbria was worst hit, recording a record 314mm of rain in 24 hours.

Flood warnings across England and Wales hit 65, and fears were held for a woman in Wales who lived near a swollen river.

The RSPCA teams represent about 20 per cent of its field staff.

They were working with emergency services, including going door-to-door with the army in Cockermouth, as well as offering help to vulnerable people and their animals around in areas such as Workington, Kendal and Keswick.

Farmers and pet owners across the region were urged, wherever safe and possible, to try to move animals to safety if there was a risk of flooding in their area.

Tim Wass, RSPCA Inspectorate Chief Officer, said: "We usually receive most calls 24 hours after heavy rain, so we're on standby in case anyone needs our help.

"Our teams will be deployed where most needed and will be ready to help both humans and their animals. We've learned a great deal about how to help communities in crisis and will be working very closely alongside all our colleagues in the emergency services."