Residents of Wiltshire and Somerset woke up to devastating floods after heavy rainfall swept through the area over the weekend. The sudden floods have led to the closure of several businesses and left many people trapped.
In Swindon, the electricity supply to the Link Leisure Centre was cut off as a safety measure, while water is being pumped out of the building. The STEAM Museum in the city has also been closed until further notice due to the floods.
Torrential rain caused significant flooding at the Link Centre, overwhelming the machinery room and cutting off electricity to the entire building. Water leakage at ground level has also been reported. Once the electricity supply is deemed safe, the water will be pumped out and the extent of the damage assessed.
Roads have been closed and residents of Swindon, Royal Wooton Bassett, Pewsey, and Ashton Keynes have been forced to evacuate their homes. The impact of the floods has been described as “terrifying” by locals. Gilbert Chadwick, a fair operator who has lived in the area for 90 years, said he had never before seen rain cause such extensive damage.
In addition to affected houses and businesses, certain parts of the STEAM Museum in Swindon have also been flooded. Efforts are being made to reopen the museum’s Great Western Hall tomorrow for a charity auction. Ticket holders for the affected days will be provided with refunds, and the museum apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
Wiltshire Council has urged caution as teams are currently working to remove fallen trees in Swindon and have also been deployed in Pewsey.
These sudden floods have had a significant impact on the affected areas, causing disruptions to daily life and property damage. It is vital for residents to remain vigilant and follow any guidance or instructions from local authorities during this challenging time.
Sources:
– BBC News (Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley)