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FLOODING
During the early hours of Monday, 9th July, 1956, severe flooding occurred
in many parts of the Borough, caused by the abnormal rainfall in the London
area.
The Public Health Inspectors visited the affected areas to ascertain the
extent of the flooding and arrangements were made for distribution of carbolic
fluid and carbolic powder to the affected premises, when the flood water had
subsided Distribution in Public Health Department transport commenced
at approximately 4 p.m. and was completed at 10 p.m. Some 750 houses
were involved. 100 gallons of fluid and 32 cwt. of powder were distributed.
In addition, factories in the Angel Road area were visited by the Public
Health Inspector and advised, and disinfectants supplied where requested.
Sanction was obtained from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government
for expenditure in connection with the loan of Royal Air Force Ground
Trolley Heaters for drying out flooded houses.
Four R.A.F. Ground Trolley Heaters were supplied together with
necessary R.A.F. personnel. The Heaters were used for a total of 275.¼
hours between 11th and 20th July, 1956.
824 houses were primarily inspected.
347 of which were found to require treatment by the Heaters.
317 houses were actually treated (30 refusals).
Disinfectants were issued throughout the week following the flooding
and 240 gallons of fluid and 2½ tons of powder distributed to the affected
areas.
Further flooding occurred on 6th August, 1956, but not so severe as
previously; although water entered many of the houses, no evidence was
found that it rose about the floorboards.
A total of 45 gallons of carbolic fluid and 10 cwt. of powder was
distributed.