After a broken water main triggered flooding overnight in southeast London, firefighters had to rescue schoolchildren using dinghies.
A pipe break resulted in six feet of water on Meadowcourt Road and Eltham Road in Blackheath, prompting the dispatch of 70 firemen to the scene.
Up to 900 households were left without water or with poor pressure after the ruptured main caused the water supply to be cut off, however Thames Water said that supplies are gradually returning to consumers.
Meanwhile, local schools and daycares were forced to close for the day.
Firefighters had to rescue schoolchildren on dinghies after a broken water main triggered flooding overnight in southeast London.
According to the London Fire Brigade, six properties have been inundated and the fire station has also been hit by flood water.
There are no reports of injuries at this time.
People are urged to avoid the area as significant road restrictions are in effect and buses are being rerouted.
Footage shows firefighters assisting local residents with a dinghy as the flood now encompasses a 600-by-200-meter area.
Residents are being transported across roadways after a burst water main outside a London fire station flooded the streets.
A spokeswoman for Thames Water stated, ‘We apologize to customers who are suffering low water pressure or no water after a major pipe burst this morning on the A20 Eltham Road in SE12.
Our engineers have stopped the flow of water from the ruptured pipe, and supplies are currently being restored to the affected region. Additionally, we supply bottled water to clients who have pre-registered as having specific needs, such as being medically dependent on water.
“We apologize to motorists affected by the A20 shutdown and for the inconvenience this has caused. We are doing everything necessary to restore order as soon as possible.
The Greenwich station of the London Fire Brigade was also impacted by floodwaters.
The London Fire Bridge reported that the two roads at Blackheath, southeast London, were around 6 feet deep in water.
The London Fire Brigade reported that ten fire engines and about seventy firemen responded to floods on Meadowcourt Road and Eltham Road in Blackheath.
Crews are working to redirect flood water after a broken water main flooded a 600-by-200-meter area.
They stated, “The Brigade was dispatched at 04:38.” On the scene are fire teams from Lewisham, Eltham, East Greenwich, and neighboring fire stations.
»South London flooding: Firefighters rescue schoolchildren in dinghies as roads become rivers«