Tameside tornado: Calls for Rishi Sunak to hold emergency COBRA meeting after homes damaged

The destruction wrought by a ‘mini tornado’ that hit Tameside during Storm Gerrit have led to political calls for an emergency Government Cobra meeting to be convened by the Prime Minister.

Around 100 properties in the Carbrook and Millbrook areas of Stalybridge are understood to have been damaged in Wedneday night's (December 27) incident, which hit at around 11:45pm. Some properties sustained 'severe damage' as roofs were ripped off in the storm.

Locals reported hearing a 'noise that sounded like a bomb' as '25-30 seconds' of extremely high winds and rain battered the area. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

READ MORE: Smashed-up cars, half-collapsed homes and debris on the power lines... this is the aftermath of when a 'tornado' came to Greater Manchester

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People have been warned to avoid the area after multiple trees fell into roads and parts of houses were ripped off. A clean-up operation is currently in place as residents and local bodies work to clear the roads of debris and make the area safe.

The Liberal Democrats have now called on Rishi Sunak to convene an emergency COBRA meeting. The party wants to see the Government set out an ‘immediate response plan’ to ensure a ‘robust and speedy response and support for families’ following Storm Gerrit.

Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Wera Hobhouse MP said: "Hundreds of lives have been thrown into chaos with homes destroyed straight after Christmas. It’s devastating.

“Rishi Sunak needs to call an urgent COBRA meeting to ensure a swift, robust recovery plan so those affected can begin rebuilding their lives. Any delay could have a