Ten years on from one of the most devastating floods in living memory

It was described as hell on earth, with cars swept away, bridges destroyed, homes and businesses engulfed by water and residents evacuated.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2018, 10:48 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2018, 10:51 BST
Armstrong Cottages at Rothbury, pictured during the 2008 flood.Armstrong Cottages at Rothbury, pictured during the 2008 flood.
Armstrong Cottages at Rothbury, pictured during the 2008 flood.

And today marks 10 years since the county was ravaged by one of the worst floods in living memory, as the devastating deluge tore through communities, leaving a massive repair bill in its wake.

The main carnage happened on Saturday, September 6, 2008, with Rothbury and surrounding areas feeling the full force of the freak weather.

Cars under water in Rothbury.Cars under water in Rothbury.
Cars under water in Rothbury.
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Residents in parts of the village were ordered to flee their flood-hit homes, while police received a report of a Fiesta being swallowed by the torrent.

That evening, the River Coquet reached its highest point in Rothbury, peaking at 3.5metres above normal levels.

Just down the road near to Powburn, two landslips blocked the A697 and three police officers had to be rescued after becoming trapped.

On Sunday, September 7, 2008, it was Warkworth’s turn – with the Black Bridge destroyed and homes in The Butts and The Stanners hit.

A car in the river at Thrum Mill.A car in the river at Thrum Mill.
A car in the river at Thrum Mill.
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But the devastation wasn’t confined to these two villages, as the flash floods caused havoc around Northumberland.

Farmers lost crops and livestock worth many thousands of pounds, while a footbridge over the River Breamish between Brandon and Branton was destroyed.

Related topics:ResidentsNorthumberland