Army of 'Super Rats' Plague British Homes After Floods; Disease Outbreak Feared; More Storms Inbound
An army of super mutant rats has infested British homes in the countryside after weeks of rain due to a storm. The rodents, reported to be immune to poison, have been spotted in drainpipes and cracks in masonry. Some were suspected to be building nests in lofts.
Since the UK countryside is submerged in water, fears have emerged that the super mutant rats could spread diseases such as Salmonella and Weil's disease.
Health authorities have warned that Weil's disease can be passed on to humans. Symptoms of the disease are similar to that of the flu but can lead to jaundice in the kidneys.
One of the residents in Inkpen village, Berkshire told the Mirror about the rats sneaking into the roof of her cottages a few days after the floods. According to Gran Sue Hardy, her neighbours have also reported the same problem. They would lie in bed at night and hear the rats scampering on the ceiling.
The British Pest Control Association (BCPA) has been urging the government to use more potent poisons to control the country's growing population of rats since 2009. The BCPA estimated the rat population to be currently at 50 million.
Based on a BCPA assessment, the rodent problem has escalated since the rats have grown resistant to standard poisons. Since the rats were immune to poison, they were dubbed as "super mutant rats."
More Incoming Storms
Waves as high as 27 feet or 8,2 metres have been recorded at Land's End. Gigantic waves battered the west coast and residents were advised to prepare for the storm and the floods that might follow. Weather forecasts had previously indicated the storm to pass west of Scotland. This prompted the MET Office to issue "severe flood warnings" for rain and 70 mph winds along the coast. Weather experts have warned that Britain will experience the worst series of storms since over 20 years ago. Residents in Westcountry were advised to brace for monster waves and more flooding.
The MET Office has issued 96 flood warnings across England and Wales. Authorities have urged people to take necessary precaution as at least 244 areas were asked to remain on alert for floods.
Since the rains began, 1,700 properties were reported to be flooded in England including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Kent, Sussex and Surrey as the most affected. The floods have reached 140 properties in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
