COASTGUARD rescue teams across Somerset helped evacuate 150 properties in Chard that were affected by the recent flooding.

Teams from Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare, supported by a specialist flood response team made up of coastguard rescue officers from south Devon, joined in a multi-agency response overnight from Sunday, January 26 to Monday, January 27 after intense rainfall saw floods devastate the town.

They were joined by three full-time HM Coastguard officers to lead on the ground, as well as a drone team.

Rescue officers helped evacuate properties in the town, including two care homes, as well as carrying out welfare checks on affected residents in both Ilminster and Chard.

READ MORE: Major incident stood down as clean-up continues following Somerset flooding

READ MORE: Somerton residential park evacuated as storms batter Somerset

A spokesperson for Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard Rescue said: “It was a long night and a great example of all agencies and volunteers working together to support the community in need.

“The team finally returning back to our home station at around 6am, ready for a good breakfast and, for some, off to start their day job.”

Somerset Council declared a ‘major incident’ on Monday (January 27) as heavy rain and strong winds battered Somerset, with Chard, Somerton and Ilminster the most affected areas in the county.

The major incident status was stood down yesterday following an upturn in the weather.

Senior coastal operations officer Robin Snuggs said: “With our trained volunteers and full-time officers, HM Coastguard stands ready 24/7 to support our fellow emergency services wherever they need assistance.

“We are proud to have done our bit to help keep the people of Chard safe.

“Our thoughts are now with people having to salvage their properties damaged by the flooding.”

Somerset Council encourages anyone who has experienced flooding to report it online by clicking here.

The information will help the council, as the lead flood authority, a detailed picture of flood risk across Somerset.

To stay up-to-date with the latest travel updates visit the Travel Somerset Twitter or the roadworks and travel information page.

Find out the current status of roads that have emergency road closure gates.