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36
Mayor of the Borough personally visited the affected area and spared
no effort to mitigate the plight of the unfortunate victims. In
response to an urgent appeal by him, financial and other material assistance
was rapidly forthcoming. All necessary household equipment was
thus replaced. Traders in the Borough most generously assisted by
supplying goods at reduced prices. Permission of the Ministry of
Health was also obtained to make arrangements for the adequate drying
and cleansing of premises, the replastering of walls and the renewing
of floors where necessary, the cost being borne by the rates. An emergency
relief depot was opened at the Town Hall. The issue of financial
assistance and the distribution of household equipment was thereby
efficiently organised. The Borough Council further assisted by sending
into the country for convalescence eleven children of affected families.
The development of the relief services and the wonderful voluntary
effort exerted during the period of stress were beyond praise. The
insanitary conditions resulting involved much extra work for the Public
Health Staff. The inspection of flood damage in the submerged premises,
the examination of household effects removed either for cleansing or
destruction, the taking of inventories for the purpose of grants from the
Mayor's Fund, the disinfection of premises after the offensive effluvium
from the Thames silt and the drying out and renovation of walls and
floorings continued for several weeks without remission. Over 1,400
visits were made by the Sanitary Inspectors and Health Visitors to houses
and families affected by the flood. A great amount of their work was
entirely voluntary and although often involving very long hours was
cheerfully carried out.
It is gratifying to record that there was no outbreak of infectious disease
in consequence of the flood.