In the wake of the powerful Storm Babet, a disturbing incident occurred near Marykirk, Aberdeenshire, resulting in the recovery of a man’s body. The police were alerted after reports of a vehicle in distress in floodwater on Friday. As investigations continue, officers have stated that while formal identification is pending, the next of kin have been notified. Sadly, this discovery brings the total number of lives lost due to the storm to seven. The devastating impact of Storm Babet on the UK is becoming increasingly apparent.
A Life Cut Short
Among the victims of Storm Babet is John Gillan, a 56-year-old man whose life ended tragically when a tree struck his van during the storm. The incident occurred on the B9127 at Whigstreet, south of Forfar in Angus, at around 5.05 pm on Thursday. Law enforcement authorities have ruled out suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. John Gillan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. His family, devastated by their loss, remembers him as a loving and caring individual.
Swept Away by the Water
Wendy Taylor, 57, also fell victim to Storm Babet when she was swept away in the Water of Lee, Glen Esk, on Thursday. Her family sorrowfully describes her as a “ray of sunshine” and a truly beautiful, kind, funny, and caring person. Wendy Taylor served as a director at Errol-based Taylors Snacks, formerly known as Mackie’s. Her tragic loss adds to the devastation caused by the storm.
In the early hours of Friday morning, two women lost their lives in a horrific five-vehicle crash on the M4, which authorities believe was weather-related. The collision involved four cars and an HGV on the eastbound carriageway between J17 for Chippenham and J18 for Bath. The exact circumstances of the crash are under investigation. The storm has left behind an irreparable void in the lives of both the victims’ families and the community.
Tragedy struck again as a man in his 60s lost his life after being caught in fast-flowing floodwater in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, on Friday. Fast-rising water levels pose an immense danger during storms, and this unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the extreme hazards brought about by destructive weather. Irreplaceable lives have been cut short, leaving loved ones shattered.
A Devastating Loss in Chesterfield
Storm Babet also claimed the life of Maureen Gilbert, 83, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Her devastated son, Paul Gilbert, spoke to the media about the heartbreaking moment he found his mother’s body floating in their flooded home. In the face of an impending storm, the residents of her street took precautionary measures to safeguard their properties. Paul Gilbert’s belief in the flood defense systems shattered when he discovered his mother’s lifeless body. The grief and loss he and his family are experiencing are beyond words.
Despite the destruction left behind by Storm Babet, the UK is still not free from the storm’s clutches. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain, targeting the already flood-stricken areas in England. This warning includes regions such as the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire (including Sheffield, Leeds, and York), and Humberside. As the deluge of rain continues, fears of further flooding rise, intensifying the turmoil caused by Storm Babet.
Storm Babet has cast a dark shadow over the UK, claiming the lives of seven individuals and leaving countless others devastated. The impact of this destructive storm is immeasurable, as communities mourn their losses and grapple with the challenges of post-storm recovery. The stories of the lives lost illustrate the immense toll and heartbreak brought about by natural disasters. As the UK braces for the possibility of further flooding, it is crucial that communities come together to support one another and work towards rebuilding what has been destroyed.