Southern Water has apologised to residents after heavy rain caused floods in Hastings, damaging homes and businesses. The Priory Meadow Shopping Centre had to be evacuated, and some residents had to be taken out of their houses. The flooding came just eight days after a previous flood in January, which was caused by heavy rainfall, a high tide, and a blocked sewer. The affected residents and businesses are facing significant losses and Southern Water has expressed their apologies for the inconvenience caused.
By Nathalie Edell and Piers HopkirkSouthern Water has apologised to residents after "tragic" floods damaged homes and businesses in their town.
Head of waste water control at Southern Water, Richard Martin, said: "About 16 people had to be taken out of their houses - that is not acceptable to me." Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, which was evacuated, remained closed on Sunday but said it hoped to reopen on Monday.Image caption,Hastings newsagent Prativha Plaeja said: "It was just awful, there was so much water everywhere.The flooding came just eight days after East Sussex County CouncilIt said the flooding in January was caused by unusually heavy rainfall coinciding with a high tide, an overflowing manhole and a partially-blocked sewer.
Michael Turner, an Environment Agency manager, told the BBC on Saturday that Hastings had 50mm of rain, which he said was "a substantial quantity in a short period of time".Mr Martin told the BBC its "assets" had been "operational" but the torrential rain alongside high tides meant the town was "overwhelmed with the sheer quantity and volume of water".
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shoppers evacuated as severe flooding hits Hastings shopping centreShoppers were forced to evacuate a shopping centre in Hastings due to severe flooding caused by heavy rain and blocked drains. The fire service worked to clear the water that had risen several inches, while social media footage showed deep floodwater in the streets and shopping area. Southern Water is investigating the flooding and working with authorities to limit further damage.
Read more »
Shopping centre in Hastings flooded after heavy downpoursShops and businesses have been evacuated at the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre following severe flooding.
Read more »
Shopping centre in Hastings evacuated due to severe flooding as Met Office warns of heavy rainForecasters have warned of heavy showers and strong winds this weekend that could cause flooding to already-soaked parts of the UK
Read more »
Hastings: Woman, 18, dies and man badly hurt in crashA white Seat Leon Cupra is understood to have left the carriageway and hit a tree, police say.
Read more »
Severe Flooding Causes Chaos in Hastings Town CentreHastings town centre is underwater as severe flooding hits the area. Emergency services are dealing with multiple locations affected by flooding, causing disruptions to roads and railways. The Priory Meadow Shopping centre has been evacuated. Public safety is a priority, and the public is urged to contact authorities only in life-threatening situations.
Read more »