A Derbyshire town is being evacuated after heavy rains caused damage to nearby reservoir walls, prompting severe flood warnings.
The Environment Agency warned of a danger to life at Whaley Bridge, following the partial collapse of walls at Toddbrook Reservoir, which sits above the village.
It said river levels in the River Goyt could “rise rapidly” as a result of water coming from the reservoir.
Some eyewitnesses posted videos to social media showing what they described as parts of the dam wall collapsing.
The area is now being evacuated by Derbyshire Police.
The force tweeted that residents of Whaley Bridge should head to Chapel High School, Long Lane, where further directions would be given.
They have been warned to take medication and pets with them as it is unclear how long the evacuation will last.
Anna Aspinall, 36, from Whaley Bridge, told PA she and others had been called to help place sandbags in the area around the dam, but were sent away after structural engineers advised “that the wall is at high risk of failing”.
“We have had significant rainfall over the past few days resulting in the overflow of the reservoir, which is very rarely breached, being completely flooded over,” she said.
“The result is that the overflow this morning has undermining damage and there is a big risk of the village being flooded out. Residents are currently being evacuated along with businesses.”
“We are praying (the dam wall) holds whilst the Canal and River Trust try to drain the water from the reservoir. I live at the top of a hill but am very involved in community life, so want to help where I can,” she added.
As a helicopter hovered above the village, police officers were going door to door in Whaley Bridge to get everyone out.
Going in the opposite direction were teams of council workers and mountain rescue vehicles heading into the village.
Dragging a suitcase of possessions up the deserted high street, local David Holt said: “Police are knocking on, evacuating everyone within risk of that dam wall breaking.
“If it’s going to go, it’s going to go straight through the village.
“Police are asking you to gather some belongings, leave your house in a secure condition and go to a local school.
“We’ve taken an elderly neighbour to a friend’s house and are heading to the school now.”