A MOP-UP operation is underway in Hawick after the town suffered some of the worst flooding it has ever seen.

Approximately 600 people were evacuated from homes and businesses along the length of the River Teviot. A total of 47 people were accommodated in the rest centre in Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick from the early hours on Saturday morning.

The rest centre remains in operation but for a very small number of residents remain in this rest centre.

The River Teviot’s highest level was 3.196m on Saturday.

In addition to the rest centre remaining open at Teviotdale Leisure Centre, the facility is also being set up to co-ordinate SBC and partners’ immediate response. 

Meanwhile, Police Scotland led evacuations with colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday evening in Newcastleton. A rest centre was established in the village hall and 37 people were accommodated, with agencies aided by 14 volunteers. People are being able to return their homes as river levels have fallen.

Inspector Carol Wood from Police Scotland added: “There are a number of road closure signs in place across the Borders and it is an offence to ignore these.

“These signs are in place for a reason – and anyone who ignores these signs is simply putting themselves in unnecessary danger which may result in pulling valuable emergency services away from priority incidents. Please do not ignore road closed signs.”

Twenty roads remain closed across the Borders due to flooding or falling trees/debris. Many roads are impassable in and around Hawick. The A7 south of the town remains closed due to flooding, a landslide and a fallen tree.

Rob Dickson, Gold Commander for the multi-agency response from SBC, said: “The impact of the severe weather remains significant and residents must not take any unnecessary risks despite thinking the weather may be improving.

“The advice is still to avoid any travel unless absolutely necessary and although it may be tempting to get up close to swollen rivers, this is very dangerous.  Residents must stay clear of riverbanks, bridges with high running water and be aware of footpaths, roads, fences, walls which may have been damaged by the flooding.

“We are continuing to liaise with our partners in the emergency services, and are also now preparing to lead the recovery among our communities.

“The response from communities in Hawick and Newcastleton was welcome and impressive.”