People trapped as storms bring flash flooding

Published on Monday 6 July 2009 22:03

PARTS of Scotland were hit by flash flooding yesterday as torrential rain and thunderstorms swept across the region.

In Fife, fire crews received more than 50 flood-related calls yesterday, particularly in the Cupar area.

Three people were helped to safety from vehicles after they became trapped in floodwater, while nine people were rescued after they became trapped in the annexe of Castlehill Primary School in Ceres Road, Cupar.

Drainage systems in parts of Kinross, Milnathort, Perth and Scone were unable to cope with the volume of rainwater and a small number of mainly residential properties were flooded.

Parts of Aboyne on Royal Deeside were also affected as the band of heavy rain showers moved north.

A spokesman for Tayside Fire and Rescue Service said that firefighters had been called out to deal with more than 30 flooding incidents, pumping water from homes and businesses.

David Hunter, owner of the Thistle Hotel in Milnathort, said: "It was a torrential downpour, and it literally looked like a river was going down the road."