Seven Islands Leisure Centre has closed due to flooding as residents report water-logged streets in Rotherhithe and Camberwell.
Operator Everyone Active apologised for ‘any inconvenience caused’ and confirmed that nearby Surrey Docks Fitness and Watersports Centre and The Castle Centre remained open.
We have received multiple calls this afternoon about flooding in SE16 and SE17. @thameswater is aware of the issue and working to resolve it as soon as possible.
— Southwark Council (@lb_southwark) July 25, 2021
Southwark Council says it has fielded numerous calls about localised flooding in SE16 and SE17. Camberwell New Road has also seen a deluge.
A yellow thunderstorm warning is currently in place across much of the south-east of England after flash floods hit London on Sunday night.
Parts of north and east London were particularly severely affected on Sunday with Pudding Mill Lane DLR station completely submerged, Whipps Cross Hospital left without power, and patients warned not to attend Newham Hospital. Around 100 patients were being evacuated from affected wards.
Sewer water is flooding John Maurice close in SE17. Been trying to get through to @thameswater on the phone but stuck in an endless queue. pic.twitter.com/QhAe3ibFVI
— Sarah Grochala (@SarahGrochala) July 25, 2021
Road flooded!#flooding #se16 #londonlife #rain #thunder #summer2021 https://t.co/0zixxi9w2O pic.twitter.com/zDHW3WOh0i
— Tina Sogaard (@TinaSogaard) July 25, 2021
Camberwell, London. Rain turns to heavy flooding, TFC shoppers stranded. pic.twitter.com/z3f4LOnWg7
— ash (@ash97840774) July 25, 2021
Flooding on Camberwell New Road pic.twitter.com/YUjzpijhpl
— CamberwellNewRoad (@CamberwellNew) July 25, 2021
London Fire Brigade says it has taken more than a thousand calls about the downpours. Firefighters helped rescue people trapped in cars and submerged homes, prioritising the hardest-hit areas where there was a clear risk to life, including in South Woodford, Leytonstone and Stratford.
The brigade is now warning people to be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning if using generators to pump out water from flood-hit homes, and called on people to take care in flood water – even if it looks safe.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s really important to know what to do if you experience flooding and stay alert to flood warnings in your area. If flooding is expected, prepare a flood kit or grab bag, use sandbags to limit water flow and if possible, move belongings to a higher level. Make sure you also look out for your neighbours, especially if they are vulnerable.
“If your property does flood, avoid walking through flood waters. Just six inches of fast flowing water can knock over an adult. We have seen videos surfacing online of people playing in flood water, which can be dangerous, not only because you could hurt yourself on hidden obstacles, but also because flood water can be contaminated or polluted, making it hazardous.
“Vehicles can also quickly become unstable in moving water, so don’t drive into flooded water. If your car becomes caught in water, unbuckle your seatbelts and where possible, climb out to safety and call for help. If you’re trapped inside, turn on all the lights, shout and sound your horn for help.”
In a tweet, the London Green Party said the floods, which have come after 30 degree temperatures, are indicative of the climate crisis.
“The climate emergency is already causing havoc. We need to make our city resilient to climate change – and stop climate-wrecking projects like the Silvertown tunnel,” the party said.
My thoughts are with everyone affected by the flooding in London and the South East. A huge thank you to the emergency services and volunteers helping families and businesses through this difficult time.
For the latest information and flood warnings visit https://t.co/MfpqWuIWvQ
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 26, 2021
Our teams have been working through the night to support the London borough emergency planners and local authorities and continue to be out this morning doing all we can to support.
If you have been impacted, here's a useful list on how to contact: https://t.co/cDfXLdjjay
— Thames Water ? (@thameswater) July 26, 2021