Operation to help most vulnerable in snow

A joint operation between police, fire and ambulance services, the Department of Infrastructure, MEA and civil defence is swinging into action to reach vulnerable people in villages cut off by snow, many of them without electricity for a third day.

Centred at the emergency services joint control room in Douglas, a call centre team will identify people who are now suffering or feeling vulnerable in their isolation, in need of food or other assistance.

Families with babies and young children and the elderly are likely to be the priority.

The operation will focus on the needs of residents in Cronk y Voddy, Ballaugh, Jurby, Glen Helen, Dalby and West Baldwin.

Those who need assistance will be reached by road where possible or on foot.

Assessments are being carried out as to where help is needed most urgently.

Vulnerable people known to be living in the worst-hit areas will be contacted by the control room but if you are not called and need help, phone the emergency line: 697314.

The number is for emergency calls for those in need of assistance only and is not for general information about the weather or road conditions.

Superintendent Kevin Willson explains how the operation will work: