Story: Lisa Swift & Pakistan Advice Centre
Rain fell continuously on 15th June, overwhelming the drains and flooding cellars. As the electricity was switched off, over 100 residents were evacuated from water contaminated with sewage. For those who couldn’t get to family or friends, there was Fir Vale School and later Longley Day Centre for an overnight stay. The Pakistan Advice Centre (PAC) was amongst support services on hand to help.
But, within days, more rain fell, flooding Bolsover Road for a second time. A Polish couple who had lived in the street for 60 years said:
“There were three feet of water in the cellar. Our insurance company told us to get someone in to dry it out with electric fans. In all the years we’ve been here it has never happened before. The drains need to be cleaned properly.”
Further up the street, Muhammad Kamran explained what happened to him:
“The water was covering the gas and electricity meters. We were 2 days without power and British Gas and Yorkshire Electric really messed me about. I paid £200 to an electrician for a certificate they said I had to get and they never asked to see it. They eventually just came and replaced the meter. My taxi was also damaged in the street by the water and I’m having to rent one at the minute.”
Irene Playford explained they had five feet in their cellar:
“We were evacuated the first time with three minutes to get out. The second time no-one said anything. The only person we saw was from the PAC. The water was spouting out of the drains in the street like a shower. We’ve not had it as bad as some; at least we’re not like those poor souls who lost everything.”
The Council told the Messenger they cleared the street drain after the first flood. They are now investigating a covered stream which runs under some of the gardens on the street.
For floods advice contact Humanitarian Advice Centre, 0800 915 6912.
For help filling in forms and other support contact Pakistan Advice Centre, 261 9130.
More information on flood support and donations in this month's Area Panel pages.