Residents return after flood alert

09/08/11

By David Clement

People living near a rain-swollen river have been told they can return to their homes after an evacuation drama which saw dozens rescued from a care home.

A flurry of claims is expected for business and home insurance policies covering flood damage across the Highlands and the north east of Scotland, according to the Association of British Insurers.

A flood alert was issued for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen city, Findhorn, Nairn, Moray and Speyside after three days of heavy rainfall, while 46 elderly residents from The Meadows care home in Huntly were moved to safety by Red Cross volunteers.

Torrential rain caused the River Deveron to become dangerously high, prompting Aberdeenshire Council to order the entire area to be evacuated as a precaution.

A spokeswoman for the local authority later gave the all-clear, saying: "Water levels on the River Deveron are dropping and it is hoped that levels will continue to drop over the next few days."