Q&A: the July floods
Updated on 23 July 2007
Hundreds of people woke up this morning to a loss of mains water and power, after heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the Thames Valley.
Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire, has become inaccessible by road, while residents in Oxford have been forced to flee to a football stadium.
Who has been affected?
Southern England is under threat as the UK's biggest rivers, the Thames and the Severn, threaten to overflow. Gloucestershire has been the worst affected, and major towns hit include Cheltenham, Evesham, Tewkesbury and Oxford.
What has happened to power and water supplies?
Apart from substantial damage to property, there is a shortage of mains water in some parts of Gloucestershire, after a treatment plant at Mythe, near Tewkesbury, was flooded. A flooded water treatment plant in Worcestershire has left many homes without supplies.
The closing of the Central Networks Castle Meads sub-station in Gloucestershire has also meant a loss of electricity in Gloucester and Cheltenham areas, as well as in neighbouring Herefordshire. The RAF has been assisting fire crews in tackling flood waters around a second Gloucestershire sub-station. People are being advised to call 0800 328 1111 to report a loss of supply.
Police said there have been some reports of looting, after cars were left abandoned, while supermarkets were unable to make deliveries of fresh food, such as salad and vegetables.
What advice is being given?
The Health Protection Agency says people should seek the advice of their water company about the safety of drinking water.
Severn Trent: Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Gloucester could face up to 72 hours of mains water disruption. People are being told to conserve water, and mini-tankers and bowsers are delivering alternative supplies. Its website has a list of bowser points.
Thames Water: There are no reported problems with water quality or supply at the moment, the company has said.
Flood help: Environment Agency
The Environment Agency's website contains useful information on what to do in the event of a flood:
Current Flooding Situation - The latest regional flood alerts.
Preparing for a flood - advice on simple home defences and precautions to undertake.
What to do if a flood happens - Action and safety steps.
Who can help? - Who can you contact for help?
