Date: 5th January 2024
Essex experienced heavy rainfall today, resulting in widespread flooding across the region. The Essex Fire and Rescue Control Room received over 100 calls throughout the day, responding promptly to various incidents.
Some of the incidents attended by their dedicated crews include:
- 09:02 am – 5th January 2024: Crews from Colchester, USAR, and Coggeshall heroically rescued three individuals trapped in their car due to floodwater on Old House Road, Great Horkesley.
- 09:16 am – 5th January 2024: Crews from Manningtree and Hawkwell worked tirelessly to pump water away from houses in Boxted as rising water threatened to enter homes.
- 10:53 am – 5th January 2024: Crews from Rochford and Rayleigh Weir came to the aid of a woman trapped in her car in floodwater on Magnolia Road, Rochford.
- 3:04 pm – 5th January 2024: Crews from Witham, Chelmsford, and Leigh responded to a call to rescue a man and his dog stranded in their car due to floodwater at Paper Mill Lock.
- 4:42 pm – 5th January 2024: Crews from Harlow and Loughton rescued a man trapped in his vehicle in floodwater on Abridge Road, Theydon Bois.
- 5:05 pm – 5th January 2024: Crews from Epping and Stansted rescued a man in his vehicle, stuck in floodwater on New Way Lane, Matching.
- 6:14 pm – 5th January 2024: Crews from Epping, Loughton, and Harlow successfully rescued four people trapped in a car due to floodwater on Abridge Road, Abridge.
- 11:18 pm – 5th January 2024: Crews from Sible Hedingham, Halstead, and Colchester came to the aid of two individuals who found themselves on the roof of their car, stranded in floodwater on Lower Stoke Road, Ashen.
- 3:07 pm – 07 January 2024: Two people rescued from a car stuck in a flooded road on Mowden Hall Lane, Hatfield Peverel.
- 4:39 pm – 07 January 2024: Three people rescued from a car stuck in a flooded road on Abridge Road, Theydon Bois.
A vital reminder to all from Essex County Fire And Rescue : if you encounter a flooded road, please do not attempt to drive through it. Find an alternative route to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of our dedicated rescue teams who respond to these emergencies. It’s important to note that intentionally driving through floodwater may also affect your car insurance coverage.
If floodwater threatens to enter your home, follow these important steps:
- Block entrances with sandbags or towels to prevent further water ingress.
- If possible, move valuables and electrical items upstairs to protect them from damage.
- If it’s safe to do so, isolate your electric and gas supplies when water starts to enter your home.
source: Essex County Fire & Rescue
