Severe flooding has struck parts of the United Kingdom after Storm Elena battered southern England and Wales with record rainfall over the weekend. The UK Met Office reported that over 200mm of rain fell in 24 hours in several areas — the highest in a decade. Rivers burst their banks, submerging hundreds of homes and disrupting rail and road transport.
More than 15,000 residents were evacuated in Somerset, Devon, and parts of London. Emergency services have been working nonstop, with rescue boats deployed to bring stranded citizens to safety. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited affected areas and promised quick relief funds for flood-hit families.
Experts blame the worsening situation on climate change, noting that warmer ocean temperatures have intensified storms. Environmental groups have urged the government to accelerate climate adaptation projects.
The floods also disrupted flights at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Several countries, including India, have extended support through humanitarian aid offers.