Storm Chandra: residents start returning to their homes
Residents can return to homes on three sites that were evacuated due to flooding caused by Storm Chandra
Residents can return to homes on three sites that were evacuated due to flooding caused by Storm Chandra.
Storm Chandra brought intense rainfall, which caused swift rises in river and groundwater levels on top of already saturated land.
In several areas, river levels reached or exceeded their highest recorded level.
On Wednesday, BCP Council highways teams worked through the night responding to 153 reports of flooding on the road network across the area.
At Iford Bridge Home Park, the council’s work included transporting people away from their flooded homes, operating a nearby rest and reception centre, and providing overnight security due to the number of empty properties.
Residents of Beaulieu Garden Park Home Site, Iford Bridge Home Park and Redhill and Wheatplot Homes Sites have been advised they can now return to their homes. Power has been reinstated at Iford Bridge Home Park and the flood warning for this area is no longer in force.
Further rain is forecast for the next few days, although river levels have fallen residents are being advised to remain cautious over the weekend.
A yellow weather warning for rain from the Met Office is expected to apply to the area from midday on Monday. This extra rainfall could have the potential to lead to some flooding and disruption at the start of next week.
Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said “Ground across the across BCP and upstream in Dorset, West Hants and Wiltshire remains very wet, and further rain forecast for the next few days may exacerbate the current flooding issues that the council teams are still dealing with.
“It is important people take care when out and about this weekend. Those travelling by car, motorbike or bicycle should avoid flooded areas and not go directly through flood water or mud.
“Local bus and train services may be affected; residents should check directly with the service provider for status updates, and it’s worth parents allowing additional time for journeys to school on Monday, as travel disruption is possible.
“People out for a walk this weekend should keep well clear of cliff edges and bases and exercise caution when walking near large bodies of water such as rivers and lakes; fast flowing or deep floodwater can cause a danger to life.
“Anyone concerned about their property should spend some time looking at any measures they might need to take. Overflowing rivers and runoff from rainfall or blocked drains could cause homes and roads to flood. Guidance is available from the National Flood Forum website.
“Our teams remain on standby and well prepared to respond to any issues, helping to keep you safe.”