This week in the UK has seen extensive flooding in many parts of the country, especially in rural and countryside areas. As people were evacuated and herded to shelters, clergymen played key roles in rescuing and supporting those caught up in the suffering areas.

In particular, in Cornwall the rectory in Boscastle transformed itself into a drop-off point for more than 100 evacuees from the harbour area. Air ambulances were rushed out to help those in trouble, and the rectory’s field was perfect as a refuge as its position high on a hill overlooking the village ensured its safety from the chaos ongoing below.

Within an hour of heavy rains hitting the south-west areas of England emergency calls rocketed and the clergy were quick to answer the call from local police to help as vicars from 20 miles around scrambled to the effected area to offer their help.

“I have very supportive colleagues in this area. There were a lot of vicars around and it was brilliant,” said one of the local clergy.

In Minster Church water rose seven feet setting the pews and alter adrift. The church has become inaccessible for local services this week, and the National Trust is assessing the damage and how to remedy the situation.

Rev Brin Berriman described how many holiday-makers had been enjoying themselves in the area when “Two minutes later their cars had been swept off and their caravans were 50 miles away.”

The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott visited the devastated areas earlier this week and promised that government aid would be provided. However, the ever-active churches and local parishes are still considering setting up a separate relief fund to help those affected even further.

Flood warnings are still in place, and the Bishop of Truro, Rev Bill Ind said, “They’re a wonderful set of people here, who know what it is like to be a mutually supportive community. I’m very impressed by the way they’ve responded to the disaster.”