Large parts of England are at risk of flooding. More than 1,000 properties across the country are already flooded, Environment Agency flood expert Caroline Douglass told the BBC yesterday. The number will continue to increase. Almost all of England's rivers carry an exceptional amount of water, and some waters have reached the highest levels ever recorded.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was criticized for initially not traveling to the flooded areas. The conservative head of government assured that the authorities have the situation under control. The opposition called for the sending of a task force.
Significant flooding was still expected on the River Trent in the Midlands and in Gloucester in the west of England. The effects will likely be felt for days because the ground is saturated and water is not draining, he said. Hundreds of flood warnings were in effect.
Around 50 people were rushed to safety in the Hackney Wick area of east London after a canal burst. A moored festive boat sank in the Thames, in the British capital, after heavy rain. Nobody was injured.