Neil MacLeod, Manager of Southesk Farms, started his day at 3.45 a.m., but it was not your typical farm morning. He was busy rescuing some of his livestock, facing the harsh reality of flooding that has become far too familiar in recent times. This marked the second time in just ten months that the farm found itself submerged.
Neil said “60mm of rain over the last 24 hours however it is higher rainfall further upstream that has caused the flooding. As it stands, we have numerous houses and buildings affected and flood water over approximately five hundred acres of newly sown crops.”
In the wider farming community, the impact of the flooding extended beyond Southesk Farms. The people of Brechin, a flood-prone area, were urged to evacuate as a red weather alert loomed large. Temporary rest centres were swiftly set up to provide shelter and support for those affected.
RELATED NEWS: Scotland weather: Road closures after Storm Babet hits
Storm Babet, in all its fury, battered the entire country, particularly the North-East of Scotland, where a Met Office warning was in place. The severity of the situation prompted local authorities to act. In Brechin, councillors went door-to-door, ensuring residents were aware of the impending danger. Furthermore, a severe flood warning was issued for the South Esk River area, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
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