ONE year ago communities across Cumbria were shaken by disastrous floods that destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure across the county.

Persistent rain and whirling wind battered the county as residents did what they could to brave the worst of the weather.

Just weeks before Christmas families across the area were faced with chaos as floodwater rose, festive events were rained off and roads became submerged.

Cumbria police said they had never know anything like it and declared the storm a major incident.

Speaking at the time of the event, temporary chief constable Michelle Skeer said: "Motorists are urged again not to travel unless it is an emergency and to stay indoors and keep safe. Flood water is dangerous."

Backbarrow and Newby Bridge were undoubtedly the worst-hit places in Furness.

As renowned hotels got into the Christmas spirit, guests were sent home early as floodwater took its toll and destroyed some of the area's most popular venues, including The Swan and The Whitewater Hotel.

However guests quickly realised that the way out of Cumbria was also blocked.

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The trouble began for people across the Barrow area when the A590 began the flood at Lindal.

With motorists facing with severe delays on the road in and out of Barrow, further trouble was caused as the A590 was closed both ways at Meathop and the A591 and A592 also announced closures.

The Furness peninsula was cut off, making the situation critical for emergency services.

Furness General Hospital declared access was difficult and were appealing for doctors and nurses not on duty to call into work.

A spokesperson from the North West Ambulance Service said: “NWAS has been operating under extremely challenging circumstances this evening with severe floods in Cumbria and Lancashire preventing access to many parts of the counties.

“Despite there being no casualties reported as a direct result of the floods, the Trust declared a major incident just after 5pm."

<strong> Cumbria floods devastation - Saturday </strong>

As news of the scale of the destruction began to reach other parts of Cumbria and the UK, messages of support came in and people rallied together in a bid to rebuild their communities.

Cumbria Community Foundation launched the Cumbria Flood Appeal to raise £1m for flood victims.

Chief executive Andy Beeforth said the aftermath of Storm Desmond was more dramatic than that off the 2009 floods and pledged financial support to help get the area back on its feet.

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Former prime minister David Cameron tweeted in support of flood victims and called an emergency COBRA meeting on Sunday morning.

The army was dispatched to harder hit areas as emergency shelters set up in Windermere and Kendal for evacuated residents.

More drama ensued when thousands of homes were plunged into darkness as the power supply failed.

Community leaders were shocked by the impact of the storm but warned that lessons needed to be learned.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed warned that Storm Desmond wasn't just a "blip" but a sign of a changing climate and Barrow and Furness MP John Woodwock highlighted the need to retain vital services.

He said: "The fact that Furness has been cut off by flooding of the A590 and A592 highlights how important it is that we keep essential public services like a full maternity unit and accident and emergency here."