Communities weigh up impact of flood damage.

Summary: Flood-hit communities are facing up to the devastation as they remain cut off by collapsed or damaged bridges and schools stay closed.

Flood-hit communities are facing up to the devastation caused by the torrential downpours as homes and businesses remain cut off by collapsed or damaged bridges and schools stay closed.

Structural engineers and military experts are carrying out an urgent safety review of Cumbria's 1,800 bridges as fears grow that Calva bridge in Workington is on the brink of being swept away.

The town is cut off, with Friday's collapse of Northside bridge and closure of Calva bridge forcing residents to make lengthy detours.

Cumbria County Council said 13 primary schools and five secondary schools will be closed today, with the majority hoping to reopen tomorrow.

Police said a total of 16 bridges and at least 25 roads are closed. About 60 people are still sheltering in the two main reception centres.

The Environment Agency said the unprecedented rainfall in Cumbria last week "would have overwhelmed any defence" and warned river levels across the region are expected to remain relatively high for the next few days.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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