BLACKBURN charity Al-Imdaad Foundation UK has sent teams to Somerset to assist local communities affected by strong winds, flooding, and resulting power cuts.

Teams from the international disaster relief organisation, which currently works in more than 65 countries, came back only few days ago from assisting Syrian refugees at the Turkish border, and were straight back on the ground assisting the victims affected by the flooding and the storms.

The teams distributed more than 500 hats, blankets and fresh sandwiches to locals evacuated to a temporary ‘Rest Centre’ at Westfield Church in Bridgewater and Burrowbridge.

Hurricane force winds at 100 mph battered parts of the country, adding to the chaos already caused by some of the worst flooding ever seen in the UK.

Somerset residents, were grateful for the generosity of the Blackburn teams, who had travelled more than five hours to assist the flood victim, the charity said.

International projects co-ordinator, Zubair Valimulla said “As storms and widespread flooding continue to spell despair for thousands across the UK, East Lancashire-based charity Al-Imdaad Foundation has been on the front-line helping people in the worst affected areas.

“One of the high ethos of Al-Imdaad Foundation is to assist humanity regardless of race, religion, creed or culture. Therefore we will never hesitate to offer help and support to anyone, because we care”.

Blackburn mayor Salim Mulla said: “The Al-Imdaad Foundation has done some fantastic work in Somerset.

“I think it is really important for Muslim people in the UK to not just help people in need overseas, but also to support people in our own country.”

To view live updates visit www.alimdaad.co.uk.