It’s hoped that South West rail links with the rest of the country will be open again later today.

After working through the night, engineers managed to temporarily reopen the track but then suspended services due to high tides.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Jo Johnson said: ‘I want to praise the Network Rail staff working all hours to make the Dawlish line safe to that it can reopen as soon as possible after last night’s Storm Emma.

‘While the railway between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren sustained damage, Network Rail has reported no structural damage to the sea wall and the integrity of the railway itself hasn’t been damaged which shows the quality of the strengthening works it delivered in 2014.

‘Protecting the line at Dawlish is a national priority and I am determined to find a permanent solution for this vital connection. £15m funding has been provided to Network Rail to take this forward, and planning and development work is well under way.

‘Resilience at Dawlish is a key part of our new strategic vision for the railways, “Connecting People”, the biggest railway modernisation programme since Victorian times, with investment continuing at record levels.’

A Ministry spokesman said: ‘Network Rail is focusing on the three most urgent elements identified within their resilience study, in order of magnitude: the soft, steep high cliffs between Teignmouth station and Parsons Tunnel, which are at risk from a significant landslip that would block the adjacent railway line; the rocky cliffs between Kennaway Tunnel and Parsons Tunnel, which are at risk from rock falls; and a section of sea wall opposite Marine Parade at Dawlish where the metal railings adjacent to the track provide very little protection of the railway from large waves.

‘This is a highly unique and complex terrain and in order to deliver the best solution it is critical that the resilience study is comprehensive.

‘Contracts will be awarded in themspring to undertake ground investigations, option selection and outline design for all three areas. These are expected to be complete in 2019 to enable the next phase of work to begin in the new funding Control Period. ‘The development work also includes the preparation of the necessary Transport and Works Act application for the work on the Teignmouth cliffs.’