Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Five children safed by rainstorms.. ( bbc)

Children rescued in rain storms

The incidents followed heavy downpours

Five children and six adults had to be rescued on Skye in the space of three-and-a-half hours following torrential downpours on Sunday afternoon.

Police and Skye Mountain Rescue Team went to the aid of a woman who was injured while walking between Sligachan and Peinchorran.

A party of six, which included three children, also became trapped by swollen river waters in the same area.

Two adults and two children were also stranded by floods in Glenbrittle.

The incidents happened between 1245 BST and 1615 BST.

Of the 11 rescued, only the woman who had been out walking required medical treatment.

Sgt Richard Baird, of Northern Constabulary, said: "There are very few bridges on the footpaths in Skye and even short periods of heavy rain can cause rivers to rise rapidly.

"Check the weather forecast before you go out and if necessary cut short your walk or amend your plans."

He added: "Crossing swollen rivers is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted."