1st December 2011

Forecasters have warned that more rain could fall in flooded areas of Scotland.

Residents have been urged to contact their home insurance providers after rivers burst their banks in the west, Central Belt and Border areas.

In the 24 hours to 6am on Wednesday, up to 47mm of rain fell in parts of the country.

The maximum rainfall was recorded in Tyndrum, Stirlingshire, while 38mm also fell on Glasgow.

The floodwater has gradually begun to subside but heavy rain was expected overnight on Wednesday.

Stewart Prodger from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said flood alerts had been issued across most of the country in recent days, adding that more disruption could be on its way.

He added: ’The Met Office is forecasting another band of rain to cross Scotland from the west from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, heavy at times over Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Central and western Tayside.

Many river catchments in central and southern Scotland have seen significant rainfall over the past week leading to saturated ground conditions and high river and loch levels.

Sepa’s monitoring indicates that some of these are likely to rise in response to the forecast rain on Wednesday evening into Thursday, with some moderate levels of disruption expected in these areas.’

People whose homes have been affected are now being advised to contact their home insurance provider urgently, and arrange emergency temporary repairs if necessary.

Experts said residents may be able to salvage their damaged belongings and should not rush to throw away damaged items, unless they pose a health risk.

Those living in areas at risk of further flooding have been urged to move any valuable possessions to upper floors and to listen out for flood warnings on local TV and radio.

Meanwhile, homeowners were also advised to keep emergency telephone contact numbers for insurers, local authority and utility companies in a safe waterproof place.

ABI general insurance director Nick Starling said: ’Events like this are exactly why people take out insurance.

Insurers plan for bad weather, and will have arrangements in place to minimise distress and inconvenience and help people recover as quickly as possible. Some, for example, will identify and contact their policyholders in areas affected to get any claim moving as quickly as possible.’

Tesco Compare has no responsibility or liability for the content or views expressed in these articles. The newsfeed articles are produced by the Press Association for consumers with an interest in insurance and non–insurance products. The articles are the copyright of the Press Association and may not be used or reproduced in any manner without their express consent.