UK NEWS

YOU CAN HELP FLOOD VICTIMS

DEEP WATER: Klaus Pittaway makes a cup of tea in his flooded house

Wednesday July 25,2007

By Graham Hiscott

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A DISASTER fund for victims of the floods raised more than £400,000 in its first few hours yesterday.

The Red Cross decided to launch the appeal as the plight facing thousands of families became clear.

Many of those affected were forced to flee their homes in panic and now have no idea when they can return. Even when they do, it may be many weeks or even months before their properties are habitable again.

And while the lucky ones will have insurance to cover the cost, they still face a massive upheaval.

Supermarket chain Tesco responded immediately to the appeal by donating £100,000. Banking giant Halifax and pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline gave another £100,000 between them.

By lunchtime the total had swollen to £400,000 after the Red Cross contributed £100,000 of its own. And a Red Cross spokesman said: “We definitely need the help of Daily Express readers so we can help the most vulnerable.”

British Red Cross chief Sir Nicholas Young said: “I have been to see parts of the country that have been completely devastated by the floods. Streets are several feet deep in filthy brown water and the water is lapping in through ground floor windows.

“The country has not seen flooding on this scale since 1947 and there appears to be more unsettled weather which is likely to bring further problems.” The money will be targeted at those most in need. Even those with insurance face a raft of additional expenses, from having to find housing to loss of income.

Flood Recovery Minister John Healey welcomed the appeal. He said: “We have a massive job ahead of us. The British are always generous and this is a way for people and companies to show their support.”

More than a million bottles of water have been handed out in Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham by Severn Trent Water. And Tesco said more than 100 lorries of water were being sent to the affected areas.

Hildon Water also said they are preparing to deliver lorry-loads of water to Gloucester. The first will arrive tomorrow.

* Donate to the British Red Cross National Floods Appeal at www.redcross.org.uk/floodsappeal or by calling 0845 054 7200. FLOODLINE: 0845 988 1188 or www.environment-agency.gov.uk