Emergency services have launched a large-scale search for a person who is believed to have been swept away in a Scots river during severe weather.
Record sister site Aberdeen Live reports that emergency services have begun a search in the area of Monymusk, north east of Aberdeen, following reports of a person swept into the River Don. It has been suggested that the person may have been trying to rescue a dog at the time, as reported by Sky News, though these reports are currently unconfirmed, as is their gender or age.
The hunt was launched sometime after 3pm on November 18, with Police Scotland and HM Coastguard involved.
Details are still emerging on the incident, which has been reported by locals to involve a Coastguard helicopter. A spokesperson for the Aberdeen Coastguard confirmed that a "police-led" search was underway in the area.
Local councillor Sam Payne said on social media: "Awful news coming out of the area at the moment. Please remember to stay safe, keeping well clear of flood water and only travelling if necessary."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Emergency services are currently in attendance at the River Don, near Monymusk, following a report of concern for a person in the water, which was received around 3.05pm on Friday, 18 November, 2022.”
Scotland's east coast has been battered by strong winds and, in some areas, more than a month's worth of rain in a 36-hour period. Aberdeenshire has been particularly affected, with the region subject to an amber Met Office 'danger to life' warning that runs until the end of Friday.
Parts of the county have been issued with 'severe' flood alerts by environment body Sepa, and Aberdeenshire Council has opened refuge centres for residents affected by either standing water or power cuts. Sandbag collection points have also been opened across the region to help residents withstand the brutal conditions.
Vincent Fitzsimons, flood duty manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), said: "Heavy and persistent rain overnight has led to significant increases in river levels across the east of Scotland.
"We have seen almost a month's worth of rain in some parts already this week and we are expecting around the same again over the course of Friday and Saturday in parts of north east Scotland. The highest risk is to riverside communities in parts of Aberdeenshire and Angus, with Severe Flood Warnings already issued.
"The worst impacts will occur between early Friday afternoon and early Saturday morning. We are working 24/7 with the Met Office and with information from Sepa's gauge network to review the flood predictions for these communities and others. This will continue until the risk is over.
"Sepa is working with emergency response partners in the areas most at risk to help them prepare and to focus support to those communities who need it most.
"People living and working in affected areas are advised to plan their essential journeys and consider the steps they need to take now to be prepared and to stay safe. They can also keep updated on floodline.sepa.org.uk."
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