Appeal launched to help South Yorkshire Storm Babet flood victims

An appeal has been launched to raise money for people affected by flooding caused by Storm Babet.

South Yorkshire's Community Foundation said around 165 homes in the county had been damaged, with the village of Catcliffe near Rotherham worst affected.

Michelle Dickinson from the foundation said the emphasis would be on helping people who did not have insurance.

The online appeal has so far raised more than £17,500.

About 120 properties in Catcliffe were flooded, with a number also affected in the Treeton area.

In Barnsley, 25 properties in Lundwood and Ings Lane Caravan Site were flooded, according to Barnsley Council.

Ms Dickinson described the appeal as "vital" and said the flooding of people's homes was a "really, really evil thing".

"We completely understand the heartache that is caused by this devastating loss of property due to the flood water," she said.

She added that many people did not have flood insurance "for lots of different reasons".

"It may be they don't have the finances to insure their properties," she said.

"But a lot of it is that they can't gain insurance as they've been flooded before."

"We know that it makes a huge difference for them to know that the local community is behind them, supporting them."

The charity launched similar appeals after flooding hit South Yorkshire in 2007 and 2019.

Last Friday's storm caused widespread flooding across the UK and saw some parts of Yorkshire receive double the average monthly rainfall in a 24 to 36-hour period, the Environment Agency said.

Some residents in Catcliffe levelled criticism at the authorities for a perceived "lack of support".

Both Rotherham and Barnsley councils have offered payments of up to £350 for people whose homes have been flooded.

Meanwhile, the government said households in affected areas could apply for up to £500 to help with immediate costs.

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