By Daniel Wood
An emergency financial aid package has been activated by the government for areas that were heavily affected.
Kirklees Council and Calderdale Council can apply to have 100% of the costs they incurred dealing with the storm reimbursed by the government.
Rest centres, temporary accommodation and staff overtime could be included in these costs.
Even after the storm, many parts of Kirklees and Calderdale are still affected by flooding, including Mirfield. The main route to the Mirfield’s train station is still flooded.
The storm left thousands without power, while homes were evacuated. In addition to this, buildings were damaged and sports events were postponed.
Northern and TransPennine Express services west towards Huddersfield are still running. Eastbound services towards Leeds and Castleford are not stopping at the station.
Council bosses have admitted they were not prepared for the large quantity of rain that was brought by Storm Ciara.
It was first thought that only high winds would the issue.
The council’s Strategic Director, Economy and Infrastructure, Karl Battersby, said: “The reality is that the weather warnings were for severe wind rather than significant rain.
“Unfortunately we got both.
“River levels were not an issue before the weekend. We have seen the highest river levels recorded, and pretty much-unprecedented levels of rain in such a short period of time.”
Mirfield
Mirfield Peak suffered its worst flooding in 5 years.
The devastating weather saw the River Calder in Mirfield peak at a higher level than the 2015 Boxing Day Floods.
Businesses in Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Brighouse are still cleaning up after the river burst its banks on Sunday.
There are huge concerns from Mirfield councillors who believe little has been done to protect the town.
Local Government Statment.
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick, said: “Storm Ciara has had damaging effects on communities in the north of England, and I want to praise the efforts of the emergency services and key agencies who have responded to the disruption.
“We’re working closely with local areas to support them in their recovery.
“I’ve activated the emergency Bellwin scheme to provide financial support to qualifying affected areas.”
An estimated 12,000 properties have been protected by flood defences over the weekend.
The government have said they will work closely with Police, Fire and Rescue local authorities to monitor the risk of flooding and keep communities safe.
A yellow warning of snow and ice is in force for north-west England and parts of West Yorkshire. Levels of snow could reach 20cm.