The search for a woman swept away by the River Don yesterday has resumed.
Police, fire and coastguard teams were called to Monymusk at about 3.20pm.
However, coastguards stood down about three hours later. Police continued making inquiries until about 10pm.
Teams are now back out looking for the woman as water levels begin to slowly recede.
Police are urging the public to stay away from flooded areas as officers navigate “tricky and dangerous” conditions.
Inspector Rory Campbell said: “Officers, along with colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the coastguard, have resumed searches in the area where the woman was last seen.
“Conditions are tricky and dangerous and I am appealing to members of the public to stay away from flooded areas. Please be careful when you are out and about.”
North-east communities on high alert
The incident happened while severe flood warnings, the highest level, were issued for five areas across the north east by Sepa.
Inverurie and Ballater – both badly hit by Storm Frank in late 2015/early 2016 – were among those on high alert as water levels were expected to reach a similar height.
North Esk River also burst its banks, prompting the evacuation of the caravan park at St Cyrus.
Severe weather warnings remain in place today for Kintore, Kemnay, Inverurie and Aberdeen by the River Dee.
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