Firefighters Race to Stop Flood Havoc on Isle of Wight Industrial Estate
Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue crews are battling a major flood on Manners View in Newport after a burst water main sent torrents of water gushing through local businesses this afternoon.
Burst Water Main Sparks Flooding Crisis
The chaos was caused by a damaged 400mm fresh water main that supplies Ryde and surrounding areas. Two fire engines have been pumping around 3,000 litres of water per minute straight into the River Medina, desperate to halt the spread of floodwater. The incident is under control but far from over, with crews expected to remain on scene for hours.
Hundreds Left Dry as Repairs Underway
Southern Water confirmed that hundreds of homes on the Bluebell Meadows Estate are now without water while engineers work to restore pressure. The water cut could last a few hours, inconveniencing residents and businesses alike.
Businesses Brace for Big Cleanup
Seven commercial properties have been flooded, including the JR Zone where children had to be evacuated after the ground floor was submerged. Local police have shut off access to the industrial estate and urged nearby businesses to move vehicles from the danger zone.
A Southern Water spokesperson said: “We’re dealing with a burst water main on an industrial estate on Manners View Road in Newport. The fire brigade are helping us pump out affected areas and the road remains closed.”
Repair Work Completed, Cleanup Continues
Southern Water announced repairs to the 450mm main were completed around midnight after cutting out and replacing a 1.7-metre damaged pipe. Around 300 homes lost water supply last night from 8-10pm as the system was re-zoned to allow safe repairs.
“Our clean-up crews and support teams are on site to help affected customers,” Southern Water added. “We’d like to thank Island Roads, the Environment Agency, and most of all the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for their hard work pumping out water and protecting buildings.”
