Somerset flood support: Military planners discussing plan 30 January 2014 Last updated at 10:54 The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said planning what action could be taken to support people hit by floods in Somerset could take all morning. A spokesman said discussions between planners and council officials, which began at first light, were ongoing. On Wednesday Owen Paterson announced amphibious vehicles could be deployed to help flood victims within 24 hours. The MoD said routes that could potentially be used by vehicles were being "reconnoitred" and tested. Once the routes have been inspected, suggestions will be made on what equipment is needed, the spokesman added. More heavy rain is expected over the next few days. Councillor David Hall, deputy leader of Somerset County Council, said: "We've been promised that we'll have access to whatever we need in terms of personnel and military vehicles at very short notice. What it potentially means is that we will have military personnel to supplement what we are doing already to help people. The second biggie - we are expecting more rain, high winds, and potentially some tidal surge problems this weekend so it's very reassuring we are going to have extra support on hand if needed. He said the primary aim was to keep people safe. "There are a lot of supplementary things, like getting fuel and supplies to people who haven't had access to them," he added. Making sure if people need to come and go, or there are medical emergencies, there is back up for them which will be very helpful. David Heath, the Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, said it was "very welcome news that the military are going to lend a hand." Military planners have been sent to Somerset to decide how they can help to prevent further flooding It is simply getting people in and out and goods - if they can give us a few extra pairs of hands to help the people who have been working so hard down on the Levels for the past few weeks. We are expecting another high spring tide at the weekend along with a lot more rain. Where there is specialist equipment I would certainly like to see the engineers see what they can do to improve access.