In some ways the people stuck in the pub for several days is a good news story (it has happened in that particular pub before). In other ways, people in the North East of England (and in Scotland) are still suffering the after effects from Arwen, one of the worst storms to hit the region for years (the wind came from the North East). Electricity and water has been out in some places since last Friday (best guess for reconnection sometime before Christmas). People in my village who lost power were only reconnected yesterday. The army has finally been called out to County Durham today. If this had happened closer to London, it would have been a major international news story. As it is -- crickets in most of the UK press. Local people are just getting on with it-- general rallying around. Various community centres are open providing hot meals and drinks as well as places to recharge phones. The local MP has been trying to help and sends out updates etc every day. But there has just been so much infrastructure damage.