A small town in England is being evacuated after severe flooding damaged a reservoir wall.
Officials confirmed the town of Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire was being evacuated over fears the River Goyt 'could rise rapidly' due to water coming from the nearby Toddbrook Reservoir.
Photos from the scene showed significant damage to the reservoir wall.
The town, which is located around 20 kilometres from Manchester, has around 6,500 residents.
Police had earlier avoided evacuating the town, but had warned business owners and non-residents to leave in case an evacuation become necessary.
However, they later confirmed officers and staff had been deployed to the town to assist in the evacuation efforts.
#WhaleyBridge is being evacuated due to the ongoing situation at Toddbrook Reservoir.
If you are being evacuated then please start heading to #Chapel High School, Long Lane, #ChapelEnLeFrith, #HighPeak, SK23 0TQ, where further direction will be given.— Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) August 1, 2019
They said: "We understand that there will be some concern around not being able to return home - however, our priority is to ensure people are kept safe and well and are not taking unnecessary risks.
"This is not a decision that has been taken lightly.
"We appreciate that there is significant impact on this community - however, this is an unprecedented, fast-moving, emergency situation."
Locals were urged to arrange accommodation with family and friends outside the town, and to take any pets or medication with them.
'Limited space' was available to anyone unable to organise accommodation, police added.
Anybody outside the town is being advised to stay away from the area.
A severe flood warning - which means there is a danger to life - has been issued by the UK's Environment Agency for Whaley Bridge.
A number of other lower-level flood warnings remain in place throughout the English midlands this afternoon.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit large parts of the England on Wednesday and Thursday, causing some localised flooding.
Further wet conditions are expected in areas near Manchester this afternoon - with forecasters warning of possible flooding and transport disruption.
