A critical incident has been declared this Thursday evening as the River Lea has catastrophically burst its banks near Hackney Wick and flooded the Herford Union Canal. The unexpected breach has resulted in significant flooding into the nearby canal, causing it to overflow into the surrounding streets on Smeed Road and Beachy Road along with parts of Wyke Road.
In response to this emergency, the London Fire Brigade has dispatched 10 fire engines along with numerous water rescue specialists to manage the situation supported by over 60 firefighters and officers.
A Specialist High Volume Pump and Drone team and an Operational Support unit carrying sandbags and a portable flood barrier were also called upon to assist in formulating a plan to stop the water from damaging further homes and businesses
Efforts to contain the flood are underway, with flood barriers being deployed amid the fast-flowing water inundating many streets in the area. The London Metropolitan Police have implemented road closures to ensure public safety and manage the crisis effectively.
An operation manager for the Canal had to be guided across a safety line held by fire crews who used a pike pole to smash a window surrounded by fast-flowing water to gain access to the electric lock control room that had stamped and flooded by water to open the lock gate to lower the level of the water. A barge is also understood to have been sunk by the flow of water. the lock gate and the control to operate
In addition to the police and fire brigade, London Ambulance Service has been mobilised to provide medical assistance and support to those affected by the flooding. Several homes have to be evacuated including many in a community warehouse scheme.
This incident poses a significant challenge to emergency services as they work tirelessly to control the situation. The public is advised to avoid the affected areas and heed any instructions from the authorities. A plan has been formulated to open the lock gates and move the water further downstream.
Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
The London Fire Brigade and the Met Police have been approached for office stations
A Spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said :
Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters have been called to flooding on Smeed Road in Hackney Wick.
A canal has burst its banks due to heavy rainfall, causing water to flood onto the road and affecting nearby properties. Firefighters are working to divert floodwater and a safety cordon is in place.
Station Commander Dan Capon, who is at the scene, said: “Firefighters have evacuated a number of people from surrounding buildings.
“We’re urging people to avoid the area where possible. If your property is affected by flooding, move to a higher level where possible. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Follow the advice of the operator.”
The Brigade was called at 2216. Fire crews from Bethnal Green, Leytonstone, Millwall, Plaistow, Islington and surrounding fire stations are at the scene.
What to do when there is a flood
- Be alert – listen for weather warnings in your area. You can also check your flood risk online.
- Prepare a flood kit or grab bag. This should contain essentials in case you have to leave your home. Learn more about grab bags.
- Protect your property. You can use sandbags to limit water flow and if possible, move belongings to a higher level.
- Look out for your neighbours. Make sure they know what to do, especially if they are vulnerable.
- If your property becomes flooded avoid walking through flood waters. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock over an adult.
- Vehicles can quickly become unstable in moving water. Avoid driving into flooded water or a flooded area.
The Brigade has a range of equipment which can be used to help rescue people trapped by flood water, pump water away and protect properties.
Fire rescue units are equipped with water rescue equipment such as inflatable rescue boats and the Brigade has specialist flood response kits, each containing rigid flood rescue boats and paddles and rigid floating pontoons, and flood barriers. They also contain protective dry suits and boots to be worn by fire crews when rescuing people from flooded areas.
