IN PICTURES: Massive clean-up begins in Calderdale after flood devastation

The clean-up has begun in Calderdale after the borough was battered by torrential downpours.
Flood clean-up in Sowerby BridgeFlood clean-up in Sowerby Bridge
Flood clean-up in Sowerby Bridge

Calderdale Council has said around 2,000 homes and 200 businesses have been affected.

A council spokesperson said: "Calderdale Council is deploying all available resources today, working with partners to coordinate the response to the devastation of Boxing Day.

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"With river levels reducing today and a 24 hour dry spell expected the recovery operation has begun and an assessment of entire valley is underway. Ensuring infrastructure is safe is a priority.

Flood clean-up at Calder Terrace, CopleyFlood clean-up at Calder Terrace, Copley
Flood clean-up at Calder Terrace, Copley

"The council has opened the Contact Centre to deal with urgent enquires from the public and gather information. It will be open 24/7 on 01422 288001.

"As yesterday, residents are advised to stay at home if possible and not to travel. If driving is unavoidable, the public should exercise extreme caution - there have been reports of missing manhole covers under the mud and water representing a serious risk to drivers.

"Many roads and bridges in the borough have been affected by the flooding and will be closed although the A58 at Sowerby Bridge, Station Road at Luddenfoot, New Road Mytholmroyd and Caldene Avenue have all reopened.

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"Members of the public are requested to stay off footbridges and vehicle bridges as there have been some reports of collapse. The rail link at Walsden is currently not in operation, affecting the Manchester Victoria line.

Flood clean-up in Sowerby BridgeFlood clean-up in Sowerby Bridge
Flood clean-up in Sowerby Bridge

"The council is working with voluntary and business partners to coordinate volunteering efforts and a meeting is scheduled tomorrow to assess roles and resources to support the recovery drive.

"Rest centres are being opened at North Bridge Leisure Centre and Ebenezer Church in central Halifax, Hebden Bridge Town Hall and Todmorden Town Hall.

"Todmorden is experiencing loss of power and Northern Powergrid has found access difficult although all roads should now be passable and we are continuing to speak with Northern Powergrid for updates.

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"The council will now be looking for support from the Government to assist recovery."

Flood clean-up in Sowerby BridgeFlood clean-up in Sowerby Bridge
Flood clean-up in Sowerby Bridge

Severe flood warnings remain in place for:

The River Calder at Brighouse, River Calder and River Ryburn at Central Sowerby Bridge, River Calder and Cragg Brook at Mytholmroyd, River Calder at Central Mytholmroyd, River Calder and Hebden Water at Hebden Bridge, River Calder at Eastwood, Callis Bridge and Charlestown, River Calder at Todmorden.