More than 200 people were rescued in Herefordshire during the Storm Dennis floods, according to official figures.
Herefordshire Council’s chief executive Alastair Neill told this week’s cabinet meeting how more than 300 residential properties were devastated by flooding.
Roughly 80 local roads became impassable during the aftermath of the torrential rain that batter the county and at least 71 areas in dire need of repair.
A major incident was declared in the county and the council opened rest centres to look after affected residents.
“Recovery and rest centres were opened in Ross, Leominster and Holmer leisure centres and at thePoint4 provided shelter and refreshments for people whose homes had been flooded,” he said.
“In total 204 people were rescued across the county by fire and rescue services from either properties or vehicles.”
Residents whose properties have been owners affected can apply for council tax and rate relief for three months.
The council has also made available flooding relief grants of £2,500 and £500 for businesses and residents respectively.
“Additional resources have been deployed across the county to expedite road cleaning and inspection and assessment of the roads and condition of the bridges,” Mr Neill said.
At least 71 areas across the more than 2,000 miles of road network in the county are in desperate need of repair.
“Of these, 51 require extensive work to remedy the damage caused which is expected to cost upwards of £1.6m, initially” he said.
“Whilst work to repair damage has commenced, several roads and bridges will require longer term attention and attention to fully address the flood damage and secure their resilience as such I expect the final repair to multiply and be much higher indeed.”
He said the council was extremely mindful of the experience of people who live and work in the areas affected by road and bridge closures.
“However, it will take weeks before many are safe to reopen.
“As of the 27 of February there remain 27 road closures in place with restricted access particularly problematic around Fownhope and Holme Lacy and Walford and Leintwardine.”
Mr Neill called on drivers to adhere to the road closures and bare with them while the work takes place.
“We will be looking for government funding under the Bellwin scheme for the repair of roads and other infrastructure.
Travel will continue to be affected and extra bus service have been set up for the worst hit areas.
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