Dorset Caravan Park Residents Forced to Flee as Storm Chandra Triggers Severe Flooding
Residents at a caravan park in Dorset were compelled to abandon their homes overnight after Storm Chandra caused the nearby River Stour to burst its banks, leading to severe flooding in the area. The incident occurred at the Iford Bridge Home Park near Christchurch, where heavy rainfall resulted in a dangerous surge in water levels, prompting an urgent evacuation effort.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
The Environment Agency had issued a danger to life flood warning for the Lower Stour region, which remains active as of the latest updates. Staff from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council), alongside emergency services, assisted residents in evacuating the site, which comprises approximately 80 homes. Residents were advised to pack essential items, including medications, and prepare for an overnight absence from their properties.
Power to the caravan park was impacted by the flooding, with authorities warning that electricity would need to be turned off preemptively to ensure safety. In official guidance, the Environment Agency stated: ‘Pack a bag with essential items such as medications you may need. Forecast levels will impact power to the site which will need to be turned off ahead of flooding. Move family, pets and cars to safety and turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so.’
Residents' Experiences and Concerns
Paul Lacey, chairman of the residents association, highlighted the recurring nature of the issue, telling the BBC: ‘This is the third time in the 10 years I’ve been here that we’ve had to evacuate. The chances of the homes flooding are pretty remote because the majority are raised up now so it’s access and the electricity going off that’s the problem.’
Martin Sadler, one of the evacuated residents, shared his perspective: ‘I was there in 2013 and my home was flooded then. Subsequent to that the homes were raised by about 65cms. I feel quite safe actually now that the home is safe from flooding. I think they are turning the electricity off, and so that’s a bit difficult to be comfortable without that. I stayed there until it got a bit risky and I left. I left before I got wet feet.’
Ann Mallett, who relocated to stay with family after the evacuation, expressed frustration over the lack of long-term solutions: ‘It’s obviously going to get worse every year, and nobody seems to do anything about it. We are okay because we are over to our sons to stay, but some people don’t have that. It’s just a flipping nuisance really. They have switched the electricity off, and I did a big shop about a week ago. I should not have done really.’
Official Statements and Ongoing Support
BCP environment councillor Andy Hadley commented on the situation: ‘We know this must be a worrying time for the residents of Iford Bridge Home Park and Redhill and Wheatplot Homes Sites impacted by flooding. Our team, along with emergency services, are currently on-site provide information, support and reassurance to those affected.’
Floods minister Emma Hardy added: ‘Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people affected. I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their response to the ongoing flooding in Somerset and Dorset who, alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are already taking action to keep communities safe. I urge residents to follow local advice over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.’
The evacuation underscores the broader challenges posed by extreme weather events in the UK, with Storm Chandra causing disruptions across multiple regions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and assistance to those impacted by the flooding.
