Flood victim “died from stress and trauma” after her home was gutted

By Hannah Neary, Local Democracy Reporter

A victim of last year’s floods “died from stress and trauma” just months after her home was gutted by the downpour.

The elderly woman passed away shortly after her property was ravaged by flash floods, which have upturned the lives of many west London residents.

Many London boroughs were hit with extreme floods on July 12 and 25 after periods of unusually heavy rainfall.

Studies have since found there was more than a month’s worth of rain in just over an hour on July 12, and drains were overwhelmed.

The impact of the flooding in west London has taken a huge toll on peoples’ mental health, with one woman dying after being traumatised by the events, a report by Kensington and Chelsea council revealed.

It said: “One elderly resident sadly passed away in September 2021 after suffering stress and trauma in the months following her property being badly flooded.”

About 340 homes and businesses were hit in Kensington and Chelsea on July 12, a report by the council said.

Research by the local authority has revealed the huge mental and financial suffering experienced by residents after their properties were ruined.

By March this year, many residents were still trapped in temporary accommodation and still unable to return home, a report said.

The report also said many elderly and vulnerable people struggled to get out of their homes safely on the day of the flooding and have since suffered from poor housing conditions.

It adds: “Many had to be housed in temporary accommodation and have found it very stressful travelling back and forth to their flooded property to arrange repairs, while still going to work and looking after their family.”

A pensioner told the authority: “Our block of flats was declared uninhabitable, due to the loss of electricity and water.

“When those were restored (after three months!) we returned. However, the lifts were totally ruined, and therefore inoperable.

“My husband and I have to walk up five flights of stairs to reach our flat, which is difficult as we are both in our 70s. The lifts are still not working.”

Many of the victims have been hit with huge financial costs to repair their homes and replace items like damaged furniture and clothing.

The report said: “Insurance premiums for many properties have also increased since the flood, increasing the financial strain that was already on residents due to the pandemic.

“Many felt they had little help from authorities following the flood.”

Pictured top: Flooding in Arundel Gardens, Kensington and Chelsea (Picture: Kensington and Chelsea council)