Investigations have established that damage was caused to gabion baskets (stone-filled cages) at the location, likely due to large debris striking the riverbank during the heightened river levels.
As a result, the council is undertaking urgent repairs in an attempt to retain the necessary protection to 12 properties in Richmond Row, 11 of which belong to Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA).
Further rainfall is expected over Friday and Saturday, with yellow warnings in place. A failure in the wall would present a high risk of the houses being severely flooded.
-- Advertisement --
The council is working closely with SBHA to ensure that residents are updated on the situation, and that plans are in place should any evacuation become necessary if the repairs are unsuccessful.
Julia Mulloy, Chief Executive of SBHA, said: "The safety of our residents is always our ultimate priority.
"Given the damage to the flood defence and the fact there are further yellow warnings in place for rain we have made our residents aware of the risks and are now putting in place robust plans for an evacuation, should it be required.
"We are very grateful to our partners at SBC for forewarning us of this risk and we will continue to work with the Council closely over the coming days."
Tracey Logan, Chief Executive, also said: "While we are attempting to repair the damage to the flood defence we have to acknowledge the risk that further heavy rainfall and snow melt poses.
"We have put in place a structured decision making process to ensure that any evacuation of Richmond Row can be carried out promptly and in an organised manner if it becomes necessary.
"We are continuing to monitor the weather forecast closely and remain in regular contact with our colleagues at the Met Office and SEPA."
(MH/JG)
