People warned against 'flood tourism'
People have been warned not to take part in “flood tourism” as deep waters and power lines pose a significant threat.
John Barry chair of the National Coordination Group this afternoon advised against any unnecessary journeys in boats through flood waters.
He said that reports have been received of people taking part in what has been dubbed “flood tourism”.
Mr Barry said: “There have been people on boats in inundated land going possibly to take pictures, we hear of photographers making trips of that sort.
“There is a significant hazard if they are in very deep flood waters and are coming close to power lines, so that’s a concern.”
With hundreds of houses flooded and hundreds more marooned by floods he urged the public to keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable people who may need assistance.
He added: “We remain concerned about flood waters that lie in many parts of the country we continue to advise against contact with flood waters, we advise against entering flowing flood waters either on foot or in vehicles , they can be faster and deeper than they appear,” he said.
“We referred yesterday to concerns where flood waters are very high and begin to approach close to power lines, there is a concern that people travelling on the water may come in very close proximity to power lines so that is a concern that was brought to our attention.”
