Major Flooding Incident in North London After Water Main Burst
A burst pipe has triggered extensive flooding in North London, with torrents of water surging through the streets this afternoon. The incident occurred on Caledonian Road in Islington, where a 30-inch water main ruptured, leading to significant disruption and property damage.
Emergency Response and Impact on Residents
Thames Water was alerted to the burst main at approximately 2pm on Tuesday, resulting in the major road being flooded and dozens of homes losing their water supply. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from the London Fire Brigade were deployed to manage the flooding, which affected an area between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street, extending to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf and Caledonian Road.
Footage shared on social media depicted dirty water overwhelming pavements, with cars stranded as the torrent reached shops and residential properties. The road was closed in both directions, causing traffic congestion between Bingfield Street and Stanmore Street. Residents in the postcodes N1, N7, WC1X, and EC1R were informed they would experience little to no water while repairs were underway.
Disruption to Transport and Community Support
Transport for London confirmed that buses were diverted from the area due to the flooding. A respite centre for affected residents has been established at Islington Tennis Centre Market to provide temporary relief and support.
Two of the London Fire Brigade's specialist Fire and Rescue Units attended the scene, equipped with inflatable boats, pumping equipment, and flood kits. Crews from Dowgate, Euston, Soho, and surrounding fire stations were also present, having been called just before 2pm.
Thames Water's Response and Apology
A spokesperson for Thames Water expressed regret over the incident, stating, 'We’re very sorry to those who have experienced flooding as a result of this burst. Our customer representatives and loss adjuster teams are on site to provide advice and support to those directly impacted.' They added that traffic management measures are in place to ensure public and team safety during repairs on Caledonian Road, apologising for any disruption or delays caused.
The spokesperson further noted, 'We understand how distressing and disruptive this situation is, and we sincerely appreciate your continued patience while we work to restore supplies and support affected customers.' Engineers remained on site into the evening, working to isolate the damaged section of pipe, with several homes still without water. Thames Water confirmed that officers would stay on site after the main was isolated to assist affected customers and clear any standing water as needed.
Safety Warnings and Ongoing Efforts
The London Fire Brigade issued a statement advising the public to avoid the area due to likely traffic impacts from the incident. Shop owners and locals reported feeling scared as the dirty water levels rose, highlighting the urgency of the emergency response.
Efforts to contain the flooding and restore normalcy continue, with authorities coordinating to mitigate the effects on the community and infrastructure.
