-3.1 C
Inverness
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Storm Éowyn Recovery Efforts Make Steady Progress Across Scotland

- Advertisement -

Scotland continues its recovery from the devastating impacts of Storm Éowyn, with utility companies, local authorities, and national agencies working tirelessly to restore services and repair damage across the country.

First Minister John Swinney, chairing a Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) meeting, reported that while considerable progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in power restoration and transport infrastructure.

Since Friday, more than 265,000 households have had their electricity supply reinstated, but approximately 16,000 properties are still without power.

Utility companies are working around the clock to address these outages, prioritising support for vulnerable customers.

Transport networks have also faced significant disruption, with roads, ferries, and flights resuming near-normal operations.

However, the rail network is grappling with over 500 incidents, including fallen trees and extensive damage to lines, particularly in the Central Belt.

Repairs are ongoing, and Network Rail and ScotRail are urging commuters to plan ahead and check for the latest updates.

Storm damage has also affected schools, with 20 buildings unable to reopen on Monday until essential repairs are completed.

Local authorities are working to ensure parents, pupils, and staff are informed about closures with as much advance notice as possible.

First Minister Swinney praised the efforts of emergency services, utility workers, and volunteers who have been instrumental in supporting affected communities.

He urged the public to remain patient and vigilant, particularly in assisting vulnerable neighbours and family members during the recovery process.

Acknowledging the scale of the storm’s impact, Swinney stated:

“This has been an extremely serious weather event, and while great strides have been made to restore power and services, further disruption is unfortunately inevitable in the coming days.”

He commended the progress made but reiterated the importance of caution, with yellow weather warnings for wind, snow, and ice remaining in place.

“Utility companies are under immense pressure, but they are doing all they can to restore power quickly and safely,” he added.

The recovery operation has included efforts to remove debris, repair critical infrastructure, and restore essential services.

Local authorities have been working closely with national agencies to ensure communities have the support they need, particularly those in remote and rural areas.

Swelling praise for those involved in the recovery, Swinney also encouraged rail commuters to stay informed through official channels and urged the public to remain prepared for ongoing disruptions.

Looking ahead, all partners involved in the operation are focused on restoring normalcy as soon as possible, with the First Minister emphasising that safety remains the top priority.

As Scotland continues to navigate the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, residents are reminded to follow advice from local authorities, national agencies, and utility companies for updates on progress and safety guidance.

- Advertisement -
Latest news
- Advertisement -spot_img
Related news
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img