// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
150 homes damaged by Storm Babet flooding to be demolished
Some residents were rescued by boat when the South Esk breached flood defences in October 2023
A total of 150 homes in an Angus town which were devastated by Storm Babet almost three years ago are to be demolished.
Hundreds of people who fled their homes when the South Esk breached flood defences in the River Street area of Brechin were unable to return for months and many properties remain empty.
Councillors have approved plans to demolish 150 houses and flats, plus five garages, as well as changes to the river's flood defences that could cost about £8.2m.
Residents said they had been living in limbo since the floods hit in October 2023.
Storm Babet brought very strong winds and heavy rain across much of Scotland and north-east England.
The Met Office recorded up eight inches (200mm) of rainfall in the wettest areas.
Angus was one of the worst affected places. In Brechin, 60 households had to be rescued and many more went to evacuation centres in Montrose and Forfar.
Betty Matheson said she has held off making alterations to her home since the flood
Betty Matheson, 78, was forced out of her privately-rented home and was unable to return for several months while the house was gutted, rewired and restored.