London Flooding was brought to an abrupt halt last weekend by flash floods that submerged parts of the capital. Expert in aquatic ecology explained why London is susceptible to flooding.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms across the southeast of England left London struggling with flash floods on Sunday. Entire streets were submerged underwater and emergency services were called in to rescue trapped motorists. In east London, nearly 100 inpatients from Whipps Cross Hospital were forced to relocate, with the NHS declaring a “major incident”.
As of Monday morning, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has reacted to more than 1,000 calls related to the flooding.
Firefighters have responded to calls in Worcester Park, South Woodford, Leytonstone and Stratford.
An LFB spokesperson has encouraged motorists not to drive into flooded water after a family of five got stuck in three feet of water in Worcester Park.
They said: “It’s really important to know what to do if you experience flooding and stay alert to flood warnings in your area.”
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms that was in effect on Monday, July 26.
The warning covered parts of the Southeast, excluding London, and warns of “sudden flooding” and lightning that could lead to delays and cancellations to bus and train services.
The Met Office said: “There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater or possibly lightning strikes.”
Although London appears to be in the clear for now, an expert at the University of Hertfordshire has explained why flooding and chaos took over the capital on Sunday.
What caused the London flooding on the weekend?
According to Dr Veronica Edmonds-Brown, a Senior Lecturer in Aquatic Ecology at the University of Hertfordshire, there are three key factors behind the London flooding.
These include the location of London’s floodplains, the capital’s outdated drainage system and the spread of urbanisation.
Dr Edmonds-Brown explained: “There are three main causes of flooding seen in London over the weekend.
“The first is the building of floodplains of the Thames and River Lea, which will, unfortunately, cause occasional flooding.
“The second is urbanisation. The more impervious surfaces we install – and we are amid a rapid housing programme at the moment – the worse this situation will get.”
