London Underground live: Updates as Tube and Overground flooding causes severe delays

Statements from Thames Water and Westminster Council

Many local businesses in Knightsbridge, including Al Basha restaurant and Serene dental and facial aesthetics, have been flooded, collectively causing ‘thousands of pounds worth of damage’, according to the owners.

Dr Eshan Alkizwini, co-owner of Serene, said Thames Water have told him they do not take responsibility for the flooding damage, but claims “if they had addressed the issue sooner, none of this would have happened.”

Mr Alkizwini said Westminster Council have also told him the flooding damage is not their responsibility, but have agreed to provide advice on services like electircs.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Our engineers and customer team are supporting the fire service and local authorities following last night’s rain and flooding.

“Initial investigations show our pipes and pumps worked as they should, but in places were overwhelmed by the amount of rain that fell in a short period of time.

“Flooded customers can find advice on our website about who to contact for help.”

Thames Water’s web page on flooding guidance advises that different organisations are responsible for different parts of the drainage system, and dealing with the problem is a multi-agency responsibility.

The website also says: “Often the cause is difficult to pinpoint, or outside anyone’s control – for example, when a severe storm happens.”

Under ‘flooding caused by heavy rain’, Thames Water states: “When flash flooding has happened, we’ll collect information to understand the severity of the situation.

“This will also help inform decisions on upgrades to our sewer system.”

Wesminster council updated its website earlier today in response to the Knighstbridge flooding.

The council said it was working closely with the London Fire Brigade, Transport for London and other partners to ‘manage the situation and ensure the safety of all residents and businesses’.

Wesminster council said London Fire Brigade were on site, as well as staff from Veolia doing a clean-up effort on the council’s behalf, and a number of City Inspectors surveying the area to make sure all flooded premises are accounted for.

For residents or business-owners seeking immediate help or support, Wesminster Council advised finding a City Inspector in a blue ‘City of Westminster’ vest, or calling its contact centre on 0207 641 6000 and stating that you are affected by the flooding.

Both Westminster Council and Thames Water advised local business-owners and residents affected by the flooding to contact their insurers as a priority.

https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/london-underground-live-updates-flooding-21762948

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