More than 1,000 properties across the country are already flooded, Environment Agency flood expert Caroline Douglass told the BBC on Friday. The number will continue to rise. Almost every river in England is carrying an exceptional amount of water, and some waters have reached their highest levels ever recorded.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was criticized for initially not traveling to the flood areas. The conservative head of government assured that the authorities had the situation under control. The opposition called for the deployment of a task force.
Significant flooding was expected on the River Trent in the Midlands and Gloucester in western England on Friday and this Saturday. The effects are likely to be felt for days because the ground is saturated and the water is not draining, it said. Hundreds of flood warnings were in force. Aerial photos showed large areas under water. Some rail connections, especially in western England, were interrupted and roads were also flooded.
Around 50 people were rushed to safety in the east London area of Hackney Wick following a canal burst its banks. A moored party boat sank on the Thames in the British capital following heavy rain. Nobody was injured.
