Emergency Repairs Under Way After Major Water Main Burst Floods North London Street

Engineers are working around the clock to repair a major burst water main that flooded part of Caledonian Road in north London, leaving homes and businesses damaged and hundreds of properties without power.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in Islington when a large water main split beneath the road, sending fast moving floodwater surging along a 350 metre stretch between Twyford Street and Thornhill Bridge Wharf. Witnesses described water rising within minutes, overwhelming basements and ground floor premises.

Thames Water confirmed that a significant split had been identified in the pipe, along with a substantial underground void that complicated the situation. Crews have been pumping water away from the affected area to allow safe access for excavation and repair work. Part of Caledonian Road remains closed as heavy machinery and emergency teams continue operations.

London Fire Brigade attended the scene and carried out multiple rescues using inflatable boats. Fifteen people and three dogs were brought to safety from flooded properties. Firefighters also installed flood barriers and distributed sandbags to limit further water damage to neighbouring buildings. Some basements were reported to have been submerged under nearly six feet of water at the height of the flooding.

Local businesses were among those hardest hit. Staff at a kitchen showroom described a sudden surge that left water above knee height within moments. Several shop owners have since been using buckets and pumps to remove standing water from their premises. Electricity was disconnected in parts of the area as a precaution, leaving 173 properties without power according to UK Power Networks.

Thames Water apologised to residents and business owners, acknowledging the disruption caused. The utility said that while water supply has largely been restored, some customers may experience intermittent low pressure as repairs continue. Company representatives and loss adjustors have been deployed to support those affected.

A temporary customer support hub has been set up outside All Saints Church on Caledonian Road, providing information and assistance to residents. Thames Water stated that teams are working continuously and that noise levels will be reduced overnight where possible, though some essential activity may continue to ensure the repair progresses safely.

The burst has reignited concerns about ageing infrastructure in parts of London, where older water mains can be vulnerable to failure. Engineers are expected to assess the full extent of structural damage beneath the road before completing the permanent repair.

As pumping and excavation work continues, authorities have urged motorists to avoid the area and follow diversion routes while crews stabilise the site and restore normal conditions.