A week ago tomorrow our website was warning people that they were going to face a wet weekend. Little could we have known just how prophetic that would be.

Those of us who have lived here long enough know that the normally peaceful Wansbeck can change into a raging torrent with frightening speed, and we were surely not alone early on Saturday morning in sensing a peculiar feeling of foreboding.

It is not too dramatic to say that we could almost smell it coming. Why else were we out with camera and video before 7.30am recording what at that time looked like a 'normal' river in flood?

Within three hours things were very different and it was clear that our town was once more at the mercy of the elements.

By the time the first severe flood warnings were issued just before 11.30am, it was apparent that this was no ordinary deluge, but a raging torrent which threatened to put lives at risk.

We must be thankful that there were no human casualties as a result of this flood. In no small part that must be because of the fantastic efforts of our emergency services, in particular the fire crews who plucked so many to safety by boat. It was a day and night of heroism of the highest order and our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved in the rescue efforts.

There were countless others who deserve recognition — too many to list here, many of them volunteers who spent long hours looking after those made homeless as a result of the disaster. On behalf of every victim of this dreadful flood, we thank them all.

Frightful though the events of Saturday were, the worst has only just begun for families returning to properties horribly despoiled by the deluge. The aftermath is enough to make the bravest of us weep. For many their homes will never seem the same again.

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey, who toured the town on Monday, was clearly impressed by the efforts of the rescue services and the resilience of victims, and has promised that the Government will do all it can to help get Morpeth back on its feet.

It will be a long, hard road and the question which will be asked by many people will be: How could this happen again?