August 18, 2004
AP
Toronto Star

London — More than 50 people were rescued by two military helicopters Wednesday after landslides caused by heavy rains trapped their vehicles on a highway in Scotland, police said.

Police said none of the 20 vehicles involved were covered by the two landslides, which fell in front of them and behind them.

After several hours, the rescue operation managed to take all the 57 people trapped at the scene near the village of Lochearnhead to safety aboard a navy and an army helicopter, police said.

It was the second time in three days that heavy rainfalls in Britain had trapped people, forcing quick rescue operations. On Monday, a flash flood devastated a village in southwestern England, forcing seven emergency helicopters to rescue scores of people from cars, rooftops and trees.

Many cars were washed by the floodwaters into the harbour of the seaside village Bostcastle, which has about 800 residents.

Two buildings collapsed under the weight of the flood waters and scores more were damaged by debris including trees, branches, stones and rubble. At least eight people were treated for conditions ranging from hypothermia to broken bones.

On Wednesday, Prince Charles visited Bostcastle and promised to donate money to a fund created to help the many victims of the three-foot wall of water that poured through the streets of the small town at 65 km/h.

After a briefing from members of emergency services in the village, Prince Charles said: “Well done, you are amazing.”

In Scotland, the Royal Navy helicopter raced to Lochearnhead on Wednesday to rescue the 56 people whose vehicles were stranded on a nearby highway by the two landslides, police said.

None of the victims appeared to be in danger, but rescue crews could only reach the scene by helicopter, police said.

Residents in the beautiful tourist area of mountains and lochs northwest of Edinburgh reported widespread flooding caused by more than two hours of heavy rain.

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