Chaldon Road becomes impassable to pedestrians and traffic following the downpour.

On Tuesday 7th June at approximately 2pm, an hour-long torrential downpour took place over Caterham, causing chaos for traffic, homeowners and many local businesses.

Rainwater tanks, storm drains and culverts could not cope with the intensity of the rainfall, which quickly flooded local roads and caused devastation for many local residents. Affected residents were quick to express their frustration and anger that culverts and water storage tanks were found to be blocked with silt, saplings and concrete due to insufficient maintenance.

In Money Road, neighbours had to smash the window of Christine Hull’s home to rescue her dog that was drowning. In Chaldon Road, elderly residents had to leave Hillcroft Court as rainwater started to enter the ground floor.

Christine Hull, who has had to move into her nearby mother’s house with her family until they move into long-term, temporary accommodation, said: “My living room was under 92cms of water and if it had not been for the neighbours breaking into the house to rescue the dog and open the back door to release the water, I think the rest of the house would have been under a similar amount. As it was, the remainder of the ground floor was under a little under a foot of rain. It has caused a huge loss of personal items which can never be replaced and that's the heartbreaking bit. I really hope that action will now be taken by the council to help the residents affected and prevent an incident like this from ever happening again.”

On Monday 13th June, the National Flood Forum Trailer came to Caterham to offer help and advice to the local residents affected by the flooding. Local councillors and representatives from other agencies were present to listen to residents’ concerns. The August edition of The Caterham and District Independent will feature a special report on the aftermath of the floods and an update on those who have had to move out of their flooded homes.