A HUGE rescue operation was launched after flash flooding forced residents to evacuate a residential site.

A multi-agency response was launched on Tuesday, November 26, after the river burst its banks and flooded Iford Bridge Home Park.

Firefighters from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service used a dinghy to transport people to safety.

(Image: NQ)

Steve Roberts, 56, said he has lived in Iford all his life. While his home was unaffected, he expressed concern for others.

 “I haven’t seen the water this high since the river flooded in the 70s when I was eleven,” he said.

“It is really horrible, and my main concern is for all the people who live in the houses by the river.”

The fire service said crews were alerted to the flooding at Old Bridge Road at 9.21am.

Teams from Christchurch, including a wading crew and support vehicle, rescued twelve people and four dogs.

The fire service's watch commander said some residents refused to leave their homes despite being without power.

Since flooding in 2014, properties at the site have been raised off the ground, meaning floodwater did not enter any homes. However, roadways are blocked, making access to and from the park "dangerous."

(Image: NQ)

The Environment Agency said: "River levels continue to rise at Iford Bridge Home Park.

"The mains power for the park has been turned off and will not be turned on again until it is safe to do so and authorised by an electrician.

"The peak level is forecast to reach 3.1m at Iford Bridge. Homes are not expected to flood at this peak level, but the site does not have any power as of 11.30pm on November 25.”

The agency warned people to avoid floodwaters because of “hidden dangers such as open manhole covers, sewage, and chemicals.”

Martina Lesnovsky was on her way to drop her daughter at Iford Bridge Nursery, however, it was forced to close due to the flooding. 

She said: "I have never seen the water this high; swans are swimming across the road."

(Image: NQ) BCP Council said it is coordinating support for residents.

Councillor Andy Hadley, cabinet member for climate response, said: “The council has been working closely with the Environment Agency to support communities affected by the recent storm.

“We continue to work on-site at Iford Bridge Home Park to support the residents who chose to stay in their homes overnight.

“A closer emergency rest location is being set up at Beaufort Community Centre. Residents evacuated by the fire service will be able to access the rest centre, where they will have somewhere safe and warm to stay until it is safe to return home.

“We will continue to support residents today and in the coming days.”