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Major incident declared as Greater Manchester hit by flooding

These are the scenes at an apartment building in Stockport.

Daisy Jackson - 1st January 2025

Emergency services have declared a major incident in Greater Manchester after severe heavy rain overnight on New Year’s Eve has led to flooding in several parts of the region.

One such incident is in Stockport, where a newly-converted apartment building has been hit by flooding so severe residents say they are ‘trapped’ inside with no electricity or running water.

Shocking videos and photos from Meadow Mill, which stands on the south bank of the River Tame, show the car park almost completely submerged.

Video creator Hannah Beau, who lives on the fourth floor of the development, said: “My car’s underwater, it’s definitely written off.

“They’re handing water up to the first floor in a boat. We’ve got the emergency services on standby.

“We have no power, no transport, no clean water. So this is a really great start to 2025 everyone.”

In another post, she said she’s woken up to ‘a literal lake’ beneath her home.

Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have declared a major incident and are co-ordinating responses to the severe flooding.

Areas affected across Greater Manchester include Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan.

@hannahbeauc
there’s no way in or out rn 🥲 #flood #newyear
♬ original sound – Hannah Beau 🤍

The Environment Agency, Highways England and mountain rescue are also helping the efforts as reports continue around damage, risk to life and stranded vehicles.

On the response, Chief Superintendent Colette Rose said: “Following events overnight a major incident has been declared. This is to ensure we can continue to keep people safe through a co-ordinated effort from our collective emergency services, supported by key partner agencies.

“Anyone affected should check the relevant detail being shared by their local council, the fire service and Transport for Greater Manchester to ensure they can get the support available, which include any road closures and information centres for those displaced. It is advised to travel if it is only necessary and to take care if out and about.

“Our officers with the fire service are in the key locations and can be spoken to if you need anything urgently, as we understand the distress those affected will be faced with as we begin 2025. It will be a continued team effort as we monitor how the weather and water levels progress throughout today.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We have been working closely with the police, fire service and Environment Agency through the night to monitor water levels across the city – and provide support and guidance to our residents who might be affected. Some residents have been asked to evacuate where the Environment Agency has issued flood warnings, and these residents have been contacted directly and supported.

“Thankfully we are seeing signs that water levels are beginning to fall, and it is unlikely that further evacuations will be necessary. However, water levels will continue to be monitored over the coming hours.

“We would ask anyone who is travelling today to take extra care and check the TfGM website for the latest updates and advice. And you can find information about what to do if your area is at risk of flooding on the Council’s website.

“I would like to thank our emergency services colleagues – alongside Council staff – for their efforts overnight and today in keeping Manchester residents safe.”

Flooding in your area

If flooding has affected your area, you can contact Floodline by phone on 0345 988 1188 or by text on 0345 602 6340, or contact your local authority if you have questions.

You can sign up for flood warnings at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings

Anyone with information around any developments or in need of assistance are asked to call 101 quoting log 3258 of 31/12/2024. In an emergency, always dial 999 in the first instance.

Featured image: TikTok, @hannahbeauc