Severe thunderstorms hit Scotland, leaving three people dead

Severe thunderstorms struck many parts of central and eastern Scotland, resulting in flash flooding and disruptions, as well as a major incident declaration in Fife where a month's worth of rain fell in hours. On Wednesday, August 12, torrential rain caused a passenger train to derail in Aberdeenshire, killing three people.

Severe storms started lashing the country on Tuesday, August 11, causing major travel disruptions. Rail passengers and motorists were faced with delays as authorities worked to clear the bad weather's aftermath.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued 17 flood alerts and six flood warnings across the nation. 

In Fife, authorities declared a major incident after a month's worth of rain fell in the region in just a few hours, inundating roads and wrecking local towns. The Local Resilience Partnership activated multi-agency resources to assist affected communities. 

"Public services are working together to deal with this incident and taking guidance from public health to make sure all current guidance is being followed when supporting those affected," said Fife superintendent Sandy Brodie.

"I want to reassure residents that we are working to get services back up and running as quickly as possible and will continue to monitor the situation. In the interim, I would ask people not to travel unless absolutely necessary."

The emergency services rescued 28 people after a landslide occurred at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park. Heavy downpours resulted in caravans being evacuated and 218 people spending the night in emergency centers. A number of homes have been inundated and many schools were closed.

A major incident was also declared in Aberdeenshire after a passenger train derailed, killing three people, including the driver. According to BBC, it is believed that the train hit a landslide near Stonehaven. About 30 emergency service vehicles were deployed to the scene.

British Transport Police said the victims' families were being supported by specially-trainedn liaison officers. "We will do everything we can to make sure the emergency services are supported, that families are supported," First minister Nicola Sturgeon stated.

As of Wednesday, there were 13 flood alerts and two warnings in force across Scotland.

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