Homes 'under water' after 'three severe flooding incidents' declared in Sussex - Live updates
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Storm Kathleen has sparked flooding chaos, with the River Arun bursting its banks and a holiday park near Chichester having to be evacuated and people told to get to high places in their homes. Up to 200 people who were left stranded have reportedly been rescued.
Follow live updates as they happen below.
Houses 'under water' after major flooding incidents in West Sussex: Recap
Key Events
- West Sussex County Council confirmed 'three severe flooding incidents' across the county in Earnley, Littlehampton and Bracklesham after the River Arun burst its banks.
- Fire crews have now left both incidents, and the situation in these two areas will be closely monitored throughout the day.
- At around midnight, crews were alerted to the first flooding incident in Littlehampton, which primarily affected Ferry Road and Rope Walk. In total, 15 people were evacuated.
- Shortly after 1am, crews then responded to a flooding incident at Medmerry Holiday Park, Earnley. In total around 180 people were evacuated. People have been told not to visit ‘under any circumstances’.
- South East Coast Ambulance Service assessed and triaged a ‘number of people’ at a nearby facility, and one person – ‘showing signs of hypothermia’ – was taken to hospital.
Flooding also reported in Shoreham
Kevin Boram, chairman of the fire & rescue service scrutiny committee and county councillor representing Shoreham South Division“At midnight on Monday, I went down to see if the high tide had flooded the Brighton Road. The road was closed to vehicles. I spent 15 minutes stopping and warning traffic until the police arrived. “Flood defences along this stretch of the road need to be built as soon as possible to safeguard residents, property and businesses. West Sussex County Council, Adur District Council and the Sussex Yacht Club have to agree a solution now. We cannot wait any longer.”
A statement from Gillian Keegan MP, following flooding in Bracklesham and EarnleyFollowing Storm Kathleen and last night's flooding at Medmerry Park and Bracklesham Caravan and Boat Club there is currently a multi-agency response underway to ensure residents, the two sites, as well as the beach at Bracklehsam, are safe and secure. The site is under the control of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service who are overseeing operations.
I have been in touch with Simon Moody, the Environment Agency's Area Director, and other partners to establish what is being done to help and what other resources they may need.
Residents should note West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's request to avoid the area to allow rescue operations to continue safely and effectively, as well as safety warnings ahead of high tide this afternoon.
I would like to thank the emergency services for their swift response overnight and express my sympathies to those caught up in the flooding.
My team and I are on hand to help and I would urge anyone in need to get in touch either by email on [email protected] or by phoning 0207 219 1193.
Anyone at immediate risk should contact 999.
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