In a concerning turn of events, the River Arun in West Sussex has dramatically burst its banks, leading to severe flooding in the seaside town of Littlehampton. The sudden deluge, exacerbated by the ongoing turmoil of Storm Kathleen, has prompted local emergency services to spring into action, initiating urgent rescue operations to aid affected residents.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has issued critical warnings to the townsfolk, advising them to stay within their homes if possible and to seek refuge in the highest parts of their dwellings to escape the rising floodwaters. Via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the service communicated the precarious situation unfolding near Ferry Road and Rope Walk, areas now submerged by the overflow from the River Arun.
For those in dire need of life-saving assistance, the emergency services have made it clear that contacting the fire and rescue service or the Coastguard via the 999 emergency number is paramount. Our crews are diligently supporting rescue operations in Littlehampton...Residents should remain in their properties if it is safe to do so and get as high as possible within their homes,” a spokesperson for the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said, emphasizing the need for public cooperation to ensure the safety of the community and the effectiveness of the rescue efforts.
The flooding has not been limited to Littlehampton alone. A “severe flooding incident” at Medmerry holiday park, nestled between Bracklesham and Selsey, has also been reported. Authorities are urging those in and around the holiday park to seek higher ground if evacuation is feasible.
This environmental crisis is part of a broader pattern of weather-related challenges facing southern England, western Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with forecasters predicting continued heavy rain and strong winds. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings from Monday to Wednesday morning, cautioning against potential travel disruptions due to the inclement weather. With wind speeds anticipated to reach up to 65mph in certain areas and rain making road surfaces treacherously slippery, the impact on daily life and safety is substantial.
As Storm Kathleen continues to unleash its fury, the aftermath of flooding in West Sussex represents a significant emergency response challenge. With over 300 flood alerts and warnings active across England, the resilience of communities and the effectiveness of emergency services are being put to the test. As the situation develops, the priority remains the safety and well-being of all those affected by these unprecedented floodwaters.
