The situation at the huge dam remains “critical”, according to the Government, with a risk of a devastating collapse still remaining. An RAF helicopter dropped hundreds of tons of material to shore up damaged areas of the dam, while firefighters used high-pressure pumps to lower water pressure. But with a storm warning in place for tomorrow, the situation remains extremely fragile.

Environment minister Therese Coffey warned that the Whaley Bridge dam situation is still “critical” as she urged residents not to return home while there is still a threat to life.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning: “I think we are still in that critical stage, that’s why we still have the severe flood warning.

“They are at risk if they are in that main town and I’m glad that people have responded.

“I cannot emphasise enough how patient they need to be.

“Of course this is a distressing and worrying time for them, but if that dam were to breach it would lead to a loss of life if there people there. There’s no doubt about that.”

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of northern England and the Midlands on Sunday, which includes the area around the reservoir.

It warns there could be damage and disruption from floodwater and lightning strikes.

Evacuated residents spent another night away from their homes on Friday and police warned it could be several days before they are allowed to return.

Those evacuated from their homes were allowed to return briefly on Friday evening to pick up any vital items or pets.

The operation allowed just one person from each household to return for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Derbyshire Police said that any residents who re-entered Whaley Bridge would be doing so at their own risk and that the threat to life remained high.

Around 1,000 people were evacuated from the town but most found their own accommodation with family and friends, according to Derbyshire County Council.

Police have closed railway lines in the Whaley Bridge area over the risk of potential flooding which is due to continue into the weekend.

The reservoir is on the north-west edge of the Peak District National Park and was built in 1831, according to experts, although the Environment Agency records it as being built in 1840-41.

According to a 2011 Environment Agency report on national dam incidents, Toddbrook “has a history of leakage”.

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