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17
district. The intensity of the) storm was such that rivers, watercourses
and surface water drainage systems were overwhelmed and some soil
sewers surcharged.
Farmlands, houses and roads were invaded by surface water (in
some instances contaminated to a relatively minor degree by sewage)
the areas chiefly affected being Rainham (Bridge Road), Cranham (East
of Front Lane) Upminster (St. Mary's Lane) and Gidea Park (Belgrave
Avenue).
Although the incident occurred on a Friday night the Council staffs
of all departments were readily available to deal with complaints which
came to their notice and I think that taken generally the situation—which
was on a scale which could not reasonably have been foreseen—was
dealt with effectively.
It should be borne in mind that apart from the very many problems
besetting the Engineer and Surveyor, especial items (such as food affected
by the flooding) were dealt with by my department and the Housing
Department also paid particular and speedy attention to Council houses
involved.
Numerous instances arose in which help was not requested and
which did not appear to demand assistance and these probably accounted
largely for any complaints which subsequently arose.
From a public health viewpoint flooded gardens are clearly to be
deplored but with sewage contamination of the minimal order present
in this type of flooding and the large area involved (added to the fact
that germs of the type causing trouble do not find such conditions
favourable to growth) it is impracticable to sterilise them through disinfectants
or otherwise. Whatever psychological value there might be in
pouring disinfectant down the drain it achieves in general the success
which the common meaning) of tha saying reflects as its value.
One cannot but have every sympathy with people who in the middle
of the night suddenly find that flood water has entered their houses and
it is patent that the vast majority tackled and overcame their major
difficulties with speed and assiduity.
The most important sequel to an incident of this kind should be
that the pre-existing arrangements of a local authority should be carefully
reviewed in the light of their efficacy and how far modification is
required. It is in no way critical to say that few authorities could
pursue this line of action without being able to devise some degree of
improvement.
Adoption of Private Streets.
The Engineer and Surveyor, Mr. V. Williams, has supplied the
following list of private streets adopted during the year ended 31st
December, 1958: —