Council block tenants forced into emergency housing after flash floods hit London

Some areas of the city saw 51mm of rainfall in three hours on Sunday – more than the monthly average for July.

Stella Creasey, Labour MP for Walthamstow, was one of the many residents whose home was flooded after to the downpour.

Responding to concerns from constituents that drain blockages had been a persistent problem in the area, Ms Creasey said via Twitter that she would ask for the matter to be investigated.

Waltham Forest Council said in a statement: “[We] continue to support residents affected, including staff out knocking on doors in the worst-affected areas.

“Last night we housed 28 residents in emergency accommodation after a block in Walthamstow lost power supply due to flooding. We have been in touch with Thames Water and they have confirmed to us that there are no water contamination issues in the borough.”

A statement from Redbridge Council said that contingency plans were made to house tenants at a local hall in Woodford Green, but that the emergency provisions were not needed. “We closed it at 00:35, but measures remain in place to reopen swiftly if necessary,” the council confirmed.

Barking and Dagenham Council told Inside Housing: “Fortunately no residents needed to be placed in emergency accommodation, but our crews are still out today trying to clear away excess water as a result of the flooding.”

A spokesperson for Newham Council confirmed that while residents had been impacted by the floods, no rehoming or temporary relocation had been implemented in the borough.

Earlier this month, around 60 Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) tenants were provided with emergency housing after nearly three inches of rain fell within 90 minutes. A spokesperson for NHG said the flooding had caused “serious damage” to many homes.

Some NHG residents reported via Twitter that they were unable to access the housing association’s emergency repairs number as their homes filled with water.

An LFB spokesperson said: “It’s really important to know what to do if you experience flooding and stay alert to flood warnings in your area. If flooding is expected, prepare a flood kit or grab bag, use sandbags to limit water flow and if possible, move belongings to a higher level. Make sure you also look out for your neighbours, especially if they are vulnerable.

“If your property does flood, avoid walking through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult.”