More than 100 people were evacuated after a burst water main caused severe flooding. Photo / @MPSIslington Twitter
More than 100 people were evacuated after a burst water main caused severe flooding. Photo / @MPSIslington Twitter
More than 100 people were evacuated from an affluent area of north London after a burst water main caused severe flooding.
The neighbourhood of Islington - home to Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary - suffered widespread damage, with trees uprooted by water that left a sodden mass of mud and debris.
Six fire engines and three fire units from neighbouring boroughs were called to Upper Street at 5am after Carl Hufton, a pub owner, spotted the burst pipe while waiting for deliveries.
Thousands of gallons of water gushed into nearby properties, breaking basement windows and causing potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage.
The London Fire Brigade said that, at its peak, the water was two metres high in some basements.
Residents and shopworkers took refuge at the Steam Passage Tavern pub, which was offering soft drinks and cups of tea to those affected. Upper Street and some surrounding streets remained closed at 1pm and the fire brigade warned road users to avoid the area.
The road, which runs between Angel tube station and Islington Green has suffered major visible surface damage in photos that appeared on social media.
Thames Water said in a statement: "We're sorry to customers in the N1 postal code area who may experience no water.
"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused. We've stopped the flow of water and are now planning how best to repair it with as little disruption as possible."
The flooding caused widespread damage to the area. Photo / @MPSIslington Twitter
Alex Green, a 22-year-old student, saved his dog Sooty by carrying him upstairs just before his conservatory window broke.
"We heard a bang and it all came pouring in," he said. "The kitchen, lounge, larder and utility room have all been flooded.In the space of five minutes it went from a couple of inches to six, seven, eight feet high."
Daniel Omell, who works at Knight Frank estate agents, said: "I still haven't been allowed into the office to see the damage. We are still waiting for the fire brigade to give us access. All the businesses here are the same."
Camden Passage, home to trendy coffee shops, boutiques and Fredericks, a preferred restaurant of former Prime MInister Tony Blair and actress Gemma Arterton, was also badly affected by the flooding, but Angel station has remained open all day.
Counciller Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said:
"We worked quickly to set up a rest centre for residents nearby and have helped those who have lost essential medication or prescription medicines in the flood.
"We are in no doubt that this has caused a huge amount of damage and upset to people's lives as they prepare for Christmas.
"Thames Water's loss adjustors are already talking to residents and businesses affected by the flooding, and we will support them as best we can."
