Statement from Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is aware of severe flooding on Stifford Road and Cullen Square, South Ockendon. Our officers are on site and working with Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
If your property is affected please contact the council on 01375 385 693 for help and support. If you are on site, please make yourself known to the fire service and housing officers and isolate your power if safe to do so.
The burst water main has been isolated and water levels have dropped significantly. Road closures remain in place while firefighters continue to deal with the incident. Please avoid the area.
Cllr Gledhill, Leader of the Thurrock Council, said: “This is terrible news for residents affected and we have left letters for those not at home to contact us as soon as possible to see how we can help.
“We are working with all of our partners to ensure resident safety and that those flooded out can return to their homes as soon as possible.
“I would like to thank the emergency services, Essex and Suffolk Water, as well as council officers who responded to this so quickly. As soon as Essex and Suffolk Water find the reason for the pipe bursting I know they will work with the council to reduce the risk of it happening again.”
Incident Commander Russell Freeman, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our crews have done a great job in pumping hundreds of thousands of litres of water away from the properties and the road.
“We’re pleased to say the burst water main has been completely isolated and the water has dropped to a level where it is no longer affecting properties.
“We’re continuing to work with our partner agencies to manage the scene as well as ensure every single household has all the information and support they need.”
Statement from Fire Service
Firefighters are currently at the scene of a burst water main in South Ockendon.
Crews have reported that around 50 houses have been affected by the flooding. A number residents were led to safety in the early stages, but there are no reported injuries and crews are supporting all residents and keeping them informed of progress.
The water has also caused the road to lift.
Firefighters are working with Essex Water and Suffolk Water to bring the incident under control.
Road closures are in place in Cullen Square and Stifford Road and the incident is expected to last for some time – please avoid the area.
Update 6.45pm
The water main has now been isolated and the water levels have dropped significantly.
Crews are pumping water from the road and properties into a nearby river.
Update 7pm
Incident Commander Russell Freeman said:
“Our crews have done a great job in pumping hundreds of thousands of litres of water away from the properties and the road.
“We’re pleased to say the burst water main has been completely isolated and the water has dropped to a level where it is no longer affecting properties.
“Overall 50 houses were affected by the flood water and sadly two families have been left homeless.
“We’re continuing to work with our partner agencies to manage the scene as well as ensure every single household has all the information and support they need.”
A BURST water main in South Ockendon has led to the evacuation of local homes this afternoon (Saturday, 20 June).
The drama began late in the afternoon in the area of Stifford Road when the main ‘exploded’ according to local residents reports Thurrock Nub News.
Belhus councillor Mike Fletcher was among those on the scene and says: “I have spoken to local police who are on the scene. Thankfully there do not appear to be any casualties, though I understand one elderly woman has been reluctant to leave her home and is being helped as best they can by the emergency services.
“The main area affected is at the bottom of Cruick Avenue and it seems likely that it is going to be a while before anybody can get back in there.
“The police and fire services are doing a great job and are working to get the water levels down.”
