Flu, floods and no water

Great!! I've been in bed last couple of days and am v grotty indeed with flu and now no water - got the message below too late to get more than a trickle of water into a pan.

Photos: Used to illustrate flooding if we don't tackle climate change.

Apparently it is expected to last 7 to 10 days! Parts of Stroud are also likely to be effected. Some 350,000 homes are expected to be without water and some 600,000 could lose electricity if flood waters rise to hit the substation - apparently quite possible at this time despite the Navy being called in to protect it. Tewkesbury remains cut off, surrounded by water. So at least even with flu and no water I'm better off than many who have seen their homes and livelihoods flooded.

Photo: Bowser in Churchdown (taken from BBC website)

We have been advised by Severn Trent Water that there is a likelihood of a progressive loss of water supply in the following areas: Bisley, Oakridge, Cranham, Painswick, Miserden, Whiteshill, Cranham, Randwick, Haresfield, Eastington, Frampton, Arlingham, Slimbridge. We understand that the areas immediately surrounding Gloucester are already off. This is due to the fact that the reservoir at Churchdown is now empty; the only water now in the system is that in the pipes. Unfortunately, Severn Trent Water (STW) cannot predict how long this will last. In the event of loss of supply, STW can be expected to set up on-street bowsers. Our concern is to ensure that vulnerable residents have water until this happens and that they can then get access to them. We obviously know the location of sheltered schemes etc; our particular concern is for isolated residents.

Photo: Cheltenham Station - no wonder I couldn't get a train through on that line on Saturday!

Do please contact the Council for advice if you know of vulnerable or isolated residents. Meanwhile the Director of Public Health for Gloucestershire Dr Shona Arora advised:

• Wear wellingtons to wade through the flood water and keep children from playing in it to minimise any risk of infection
• Boil all bowser water as a precaution and use it to make up infant formula
• Flush the toilet less often and try to use grey water including flood water for this
• Main hospitals are functioning, although Tewskebury Hospital has been partially evacuated
• Most GP surgeries are functioning

Watch aerial footage of waterworks on BBC here.