WORK on a £1million flood warning system for the north-east is almost complete, the Press and Journal can reveal.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency project, to monitor water levels at various points in the Dee, Don, Deveron and North Esk rivers, launches on March 2.
The Scottish Government-funded scheme aims to give three hours’ notice of possible flooding, buying people time to protect themselves, their homes and businesses.
Stewart Prodger, of Sepa’s flood unit, said: “The result will be a significant improvement of flood information for parts of north-east Scotland, with areas covered including several large important urban centres such as Aberdeen, Inverurie and Huntly, rural settlements, large areas of agricultural land and significant transportation links.
“Once operational, this will provide advance warning of flooding which can be accessed via Sepa’s Floodline information service.
“This will give the public crucial time to take action to protect themselves and their property, something which should be of real help to people, as recent flooding in places like Keith and Huntly has demonstrated.”
North-east MSP and Tory spokeswoman for the environment Nanette Milne welcomed the news yesterday.
She said: “Communities across the north-east have witnessed substantial flooding in 2009 and there is ongoing concern little action has been taken to address future flooding issues.
“I hope that the new north-east flood warning scheme serving communities at risk from the rivers North Esk, Dee, Don and Deveron will move quickly to provide information to local residents."