The Cuthbertson Memorial Bridge and the Jubilee Bridge in Annan were both washed away last Thursday night, while Shillahill Bridge between Lockerbie and Lochmaben was closed too because of high water levels.
And that meant the A709, the main Lockerbie to Dumfries road, was shut too, causing chaos and diversions for drivers.
Thursday’s deluge also led to schools shutting early, roads impassable, reduced speed limits on the motorway, trains cancelled, landslides and homes flooded. Dumfries and Galloway Council say they gave out 1400 sandbags to those in need.
And today some schools across the region have been unable to open due to flooding or stranded staff. They include Hecklegirth Primary, Johnstonebridge Primary and Eaglesfield Primary. Meanwhile, some school buses were unable to get pupils to Lockerbie Academy today, which is reporting high numbers of absent pupils.
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for Dumfries and Galloway until this afternoon and the wet conditions are set to continue over the weekend.
Commenting on events so far, Chief Inspector Stuart Davidson, of Police Scotland, said: “This has been some of the worst flooding that we have seen in our region for a number of years. The picture continued to change rapidly throughout the day, but all partners were able to make decisions and mobilise their efforts to make sure that we provided support where it was needed and kept individuals safe.
“I’d like to thank the public for their continued co-operation in following the warnings and travelling with care on our roads. In addition, members of the public shared images and intelligence on over 80 different local incidents in the region. This information could then be shared via DG Vost to keep everyone informed of local incidents.”
