More than 50 people have been given emergency shelter and food as part of the response to severe winter storms which hit East Devon last night.
An emergency rest centre was established by Devon County Council at the Kings School in Ottery St Mary earlier today, and another was also set up at Feniton Sports and Social Club. Severe flooding forced around 20 people to be evacuated from their homes overnight and they initially stayed at Ottery St Mary Hospital.
Devon County Council contractors have spent the day clearing roads which were closed due to floods, landslides and debris. All routes into Newton Poppleford and Ottery St Mary were closed for a large part of the day. The road from Ottery St Mary to Alfington was clear early this afternoon and most of the landslips on the B3174 have been cleared. Sweeping work is currently underway and the road should be fully opened by this evening.
The road from Fairmile past Cadhay is passable with care but more clearance work will be needed tomorrow. A large landslip from Fenny Bridges to Feniton is passable with care but efforts are continuing to clear it.
The road from Pattesons Cross to Ottery St Mary will remain closed overnight due to floodwater and abandoned vehicles. The drain from Pattesons Cross to Feniton is also still overwhelmed by floodwater.
The A30 was closed both ways by the Highways Agency this morning between Honiton and Ottery St Mary. The Eastbound carriageway, which was closed due to ice, re-opened just before midday.
The A3052 at Colyford was also closed today, as were other minor roads affected by flooding including those around Kentisbeare, Tipton St John, Uffculme and the Culm Valley.
Devon County Council Leader Brian Greenslade said: 'These are freak floods and storms which no-one could have predicted. Devon County Council staff have been working closely with emergency services and other partners in responding to this situation.
'We have been doing everything possible to make sure that roads are clear and that people who have had their homes flooded have shelter and food and are made as comfortable as possible at what is a distressing time.'
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