Residents evacuated as firefighters lead people to safety after London street floods

17 December 2022, 10:58 | Updated: 17 December 2022, 16:15

A residential street in Camden has been hit with flood water up to two feet high in properties after a water main burst.

The London Fire Brigade was called at 2.50am this morning after getting almost 20 calls from the public and this morning, “multiple properties” were under water.

Up to 60 firefighters attended the incident which occurred on Belsize Road, Camden, the service said.

The LFB said that a 42-inch water main had burst, which caused up to 50cm of water across an area of around 800 metres.

Because of this, 20 people were moved to the upper floors of properties for reasons of safety.

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Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Williams, who was at the scene this morning, said: “Around 20 people have been moved to upper floors of properties.

“There are significant road closures in place and we’re asking people to avoid the area where possible.

“The water authority are working to isolate the burst water main and firefighters are expected to remain on scene for a number of hours.

“Crews are using flood barriers and a high volume pumping unit to divert flood water. A rest centre has been set up for affected residents at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre.”

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The incident was still ongoing at 8am, with crews from Kentish Town, North Kensington, West Hampstead, and Euston, and at the scene.

Because of the situation, Thames Water has said properties in postcodes NW2, NW6, NW8 and NW10 may experience low pressure or no water at all.

Teams are at the scene in north-west London and have been working to resolve water supply issues.

A rest centre has been set up at Swiss Cottage library near scene providing support for people affected.