UPDATE: Littlehampton families evacuated from wrecked homes

Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes in South Terrace in the early hours of this morning when torrential rain overwhelmed sewerage systems in the area.

About 10 people from the street abandoned their homes and chose to seek refuge at a rest centre at the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre, after approximately 4ft of water wrecked their basement flats.

Others in the road are believed to be staying with nearby friends and relatives.

Littlehampton man Max Ngasa has spoken of his experience when a torrent of water burst through his flat’s front door.

Speaking outside his home, Max, 21, said: “It was like something from the Titanic when I opened up door. The water came pouring in and within minutes it was up to our knees.

“It’s wrecked everything – the carpets, furniture, electrics. We don’t know what to do or where to go. We’re waiting on the insurance company to get back to us.”

However, with heavy rain forecast for later on this afternoon, Max feared that a second round of flooding in the street could be on its way.

In the past few minutes Arun District Council has announced that it is doing everything it can to help residents across the area cope with the rain damage.

A spokeswoman for the authority said that housing officers are on the scene working with those affected by the flooding to secure accommodation and contact landlords and insurance companies.

For more information, visit Arun’s website on www.arun.gov.uk or to speak to a housing officer, call 01903 737751.