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Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
UK News

"Our church is probably under water", says community worker

by Hannah Tooley

He was speaking after nearly 200mm of rain fell in Britain's wettest area Shap, in Cumbria: "I'm still getting messages now saying 'can we help?', 'can we come down to the church a help rescue people and provide food and things?'

"So the community is really coming together - unfortunately our church, I think is probably under water."

A man has died as a result of Storm Desmond, causing Cumbria to declare a major incident.

The Environment Agency has declared 130 flood warnings.

Rain continued to fall overnight in Scotland, northern England and northern parts of Wales.

Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Bridges collapsed, rivers burst their banks and landslides were triggered as torrential rain swept through large swathes of the north of England and Scotland.

Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter: "My thoughts are with all affected by Storm Desmond. Teams are working to ensure swift response and help for those who need it."

Cumbria was the among the worst affected by the onslaught, and British Red Cross teams set up rest centres in Keswick, Appleby and Kendal, while medical groups issued an urgent call to draft in extra doctors amid fears the storm could cause casualties.

Jonny Gios continued: "My prayer is also for the church to get its hands dirty, I really pray that in Kendell that the churches together will be churches together, and that we help people in our local communities and the communities that see that the church is there showing God's love in a practical way."

He asked Christians to reach out in the region's time of need: "Please pray for us as a church in Kendel, and as churches in Cumbria, as we come alongside our community and help them and hold their hand throughout this awful disaster."

Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Jonny Gios, Methodist Community Worker in Kendal, here: 

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