- Were you affected by the flooding? Email robert.folker@dailymail.co.uk
Residents in west London had to be rescued from their homes by dinghy overnight after a burst water main caused major flooding.
Firefighters rescued 25 people from their homes through the night following severe flooding caused by a burst water drain near the Holland Park roundabout.
Thousands had their water supply disrupted, and parked cars in the area were submerged in floodwater, while some schools in Chiswick have been unable to open today, as there is no water to flush the toilets.
There was also severe traffic disruption this morning, with roads in the area being closed as Thames Water apologised for the issue, saying they have ‘stopped the water flooding’ and are working to restore water supply to the affected homes.
One resident, Alex Cooper, 48, said his home was filled with muddy floodwater, and he woke up to his car alarm going off.
‘Water was flowing down the street like a river. It got to around two to three feet deep. We saw it coming and moved the furniture upstairs,’ he told The Standard.
‘Our entire floor is flooded and our oven is going to be f****d.’
Another resident in Shepherd’s Bush added: ‘I could hardly get a shower this morning. There was just a dribble. The guy at the bus stop said he couldn’t even flush his toilet.’
Thousands had their water supply disrupted in west London, while cars in the area were submerged in floodwater and residents has to be resuced by dinghys due to a burst water main
Holland Park is among the main affected areas, which is home to a host of celebrities. Last year, the average property selling price was £1.4million, making it one of London’s most expensive postcodes
In a post on social media platform X this morning, Hounslow Council advised parents to check with their school to see if they are open as normal.
The council’s statement said: ‘Some homes and businesses in parts of Chiswick may be experiencing no water or low pressure as the team works to restore the supply.
‘We are also aware that Strand, Belmont and Cavendish schools are closed today due to the water supply issue.
‘Parents and carers are advised to check directly with their child’s school for the latest updates.’
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters dealt with flooding throughout the night, with the fire service reporting no injuries.
Station Commander Kris Seymour, who was at the scene, said: ‘A burst 30-inch water main caused flooding up to 1-metre deep, affecting more than 50 homes and a hotel over a one-mile area.
‘Firefighters used specialist equipment, including an inflatable rescue boat to evacuate affected residents and flood barriers to divert flood water, which has now subsided.
‘We encourage people to avoid the area as road closures will likely be in place throughout the morning.’
In an update this morning, a Thames Water statement said: ‘Our teams on site have stopped the water flooding, and are now working to clean the area and make it safe to open the roundabout to traffic as soon as we can.
‘We’re working with the emergency services to keep everyone safe.
‘Traffic controls remain in place to protect the public, if you’re travelling in the area, please allow additional time to your journey. Apologies in advance for any delay this may cause.’
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council said they are ‘preparing for a clean-up effort once the water recedes’.
A post on X read: ‘A burst water main near Holland Park Roundabout has led to flooding and road closures in the area.
‘Thanks to the emergency services for their quick response.
‘Our staff are on site supporting families with housing needs, and preparing for a clean up effort once the water recedes’
Thames Water added that properties in numerous postcodes may still be suffering from low water pressure or no water.
The utility company’s statement said: ‘We know some are still experiencing issues and are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. Others may notice lower pressure initially, but this will improve as it increases in the pipes.
‘While this work is carried out, customers in the following postcodes may experience low pressure or no water: W1H, W4, W6, W8, W11, W12, W13 and W14.’
Holland Park is among the main affected areas, which is home to a host of celebrities, including David and Victoria Beckham, Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran.
Last year, the average property selling price was £1.4million, making it one of London’s most expensive postcodes.