This morning (20 October) as Storm Babet resulted in severe flooding in the City of Brechin and a Red Weather Warning for large areas of Tayside, Angus and Aberdeenshire, the Rt Rev Andrew Swift, the Bishop of Brechin, said, “The unprecedented rainfall north of the River Tay over the past day has had a horrendous impact on the communities in those areas. The reported loss of life is tragic and the search for those missing is heartbreaking. My prayers are for those who have lost loved ones. Flooding forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents in the City of Brechin shows the terrible impact this is having on so, so many lives.
“Please keep all those affected by Storm Babet in your prayers as, God willing, the weather passes and the extremes of flooding eventually recede. The aftermath of the flooding in Brechin and throughout the affected regions will stretch and test the resources and resolve of these communities for some considerable time to come. As churches we will do all we can to support the work of community recovery in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Rev Jim Benton-Evans, Rector of St Mary’s & St Peter’s, Montrose, St David of Scotland, Inverbervie and St Andrew’s, Brechin reported: “I have been out and about this morning trying to assess the scale of need and what assistance we ought, and are able, to offer. We are still cut off, but some local grocery shops open, as are a number of shops in St David’s St, including Boots.
“The Emergency Response Team at Brechin Community Campus have my details and know that we stand ready to support those affected in any way we can.
“Stay safe, everyone.”
Bishop Andrew continued: “I would urge everyone to follow the instructions of the authorities, whether to follow evacuation directions or in avoiding dangerous travel in any of the areas of extreme rain and wind. The authorities and emergency services are putting their lives at risk to keep us all safe: please help them in their vital work. On behalf of all our church communities, I would like to express my thanks for that essential work. If safe, there may be local ways that help can be provided to evacuees or others affected by the storm: check local social media and local authority communications for safe ways to assist.”