§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the armed forces have played in dealing with the recent floods in the UK. [137314]
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§ Mr. SpellarThe armed forces are always ready to respond to requests from the emergency services to provide help and support in the event of national disaster. Over the past week they have responded to numerous requests to help with flood relief. At the peak about 600 service personnel were providing assistance in numerous locations, performing tasks such as the reinforcement of flood defences and the evacuation of residents. Chinook helicopters have been used to move sandbags to inaccessible areas and Sea King helicopters have conducted rescue missions for people trapped by floodwaters.
The armed forces are continuing to provide assistance in several areas, and they remain ready to respond to further calls from the emergency services, wherever the need may arise.