West Drayton flood: Emergency as River Colne bursts banks in extreme weather disaster
FLOODING has ripped through West Drayton, causing three caravan sites to be evacuated.
Met Office warns of more showers as heavy rain continues
The evacuation in the London Borough of Hillingdon came after days of heavy rain in the area. London Fire Brigade have taken a number of people to a local civil centre, LBC news has reported.
Members of the public have been urged to avoid the area. Thorney Hill Road was partially flooded on Sunday.
A blockage is believed to have caused the water levels in the River Colne to rise, wreaking havoc in the nearby areas.
Some 50 people were transported from their homes at Mayfield Caravan Park to a nearby civic centre where they were sheltered.
Firefighters have been working to drain the water.
They also helped local people alongside staff from the Environment Agency.
London Fire Brigade said in a statement: "Three fire engines and around 17 firefighters have rescued fifty people from their homes on Thorney Hill Road in West Drayton due to flooding.
"Mill Road is closed at the junction with Wise Lane.
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"We advise the public to avoid the area.
"Fire crews are assisting residents from their homes in two further nearby caravan parks as a precaution.
"Those rescued are being taken to a nearby civic centre."
A weather alert had been announced for the River Colne and Frays River.
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Three fire engines and about 25 firefighters are at the scene of flooding on Thorney Mill Road at #WestDrayton . More to follow pic.twitter.com/E59E9r2LB0
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) October 4, 2020
A statement on the Environment Agency website reads: "Heavy rainfall over the weekend has caused the River Colne to rise, particularly in the Uxbridge and Cowley areas.
"We have also had reports of high levels in the West Drayton area.
"There is likely to be flooding to low lying land and roads close to the river today, Sunday, October 4.
"Flooding from surface water, where water gathers and flows off road surfaces, could also occur.
“Further rain is expected today so we expect the river to remain high for the rest of the day.
"We are constantly monitoring river levels and have staff on standby to attend to any blockages in the river.
“This message will be updated by 8pm this evening or earlier if the situation changes."