Somerset family’s home flooded within hours after Storm Chandra hits
Storm Chandra leaves severe damage with water rushing into homes
A Somerset family has been left dealing with significant flooding damage after water surged into their home early this morning, following heavy rainfall from Storm Chandra.
James Wade and his wife Faye woke early to find their garden flooded, but within just a short time, water began flowing into their house through air bricks, flooring, and drains, leaving their downstairs submerged under several inches of water.
Speaking about the impact, Faye said the initial sign of the rising water was spotted by their dog, who woke them up at 5am.
“I came down and opened the back door to let her out for a wee, and that's when the garden was completely flooded up until the step,” Faye explained.
While the family attempted to prevent the water from breaching their home using towels by the doors, their efforts were futile as water began bubbling up through the flooring and drains.
“The toilet was full to the brim, so it was just like water coming up from everywhere,” she added.
Carpet and laminate flooring amongst worst affected
The front room of the family’s home suffered the most visible damage, with the carpet forming a bubble as water gathered beneath it. The laminate flooring in other areas also bore the brunt as water seeped through the floorboards, damaging anything in its path.
James described the garden looking like a “swimming pool” and estimated that water levels reached up to three inches inside the house at their peak.
“No one else in the estate has been affected, which is surprising considering how much water was out there. We’re just a bit lower than the other houses,” he said.
Impact on the family
With a flooded house, three children, and their puppy to accommodate, James and Faye have had to rely on their home insurance to provide temporary accommodation while the clean-up process begins.
James said they have lived in the estate for 13 years and have never seen flooding in their home, even during major storms in the past.
The family will spend a night in a hotel before moving to an Airbnb arranged by their insurers while the damage is assessed and repairs are carried out.
Storm Chandra caused severe flooding in several areas of Somerset overnight. When asked about sandbags, James said they were unable to prevent the water entering his home as it came up through the floors and airbricks.
The couple has expressed thanks to their insurer for their response but will face some time before their house is back to normal.