A SOUTHEND fire officer has flown to Serbia to provide emergency assistance following severe flooding.

Terry Webb, Southend assistant divisional officer, has flown out as part of an EU civil protection team who were called in to provide emergency assistance.

Torrential rain began in Serbia and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 13, prompting floods which are the worst since records began 120 years ago.

Mr Webb, assistant divisional officer, is a member of the UK International Search and Rescue team and flew out at the end of last week.

On Sunday, Mr Webb reported back: “Arrived early hours in Belgrade with a seven-strong team, one other to join us “Later, we are hoping to meet with Head of the EU delegation in Serbia and attempt to establish a foothold.”

Mr Webb had previously been sent to the Philippines in the aftermath of cyclone Haiyan and was also a member of EU rescue teams in Turkey and Haiti.

He will work with colleagues from Germany, Sweden and Norway, with the team’s main role involving the coordination of incoming assistance provided by other EU member states.

So far, five people have reportedly died and two have been reported missing, with thousands more trapped in their houses awaiting evacuation.

Large landslides in Bosnia on May 15 meant several cities and villages remain without electricity and water, with the situation similarly severe in Serbia.