UP TO 40 homes have been left damaged after a burst water pipe in Gatton Park Road, Redhill, sent a wall of water crashing through homes, turning North Mead into a waterfall.
Engineers were called out to the incident at about 6am this morning (Sunday) after reports of the burst pipe.
By the time they arrived, Gatton Park Road resembled a flowing river as a tide of water battered the homes below, sending household items flowing away down the street.
As the water continued to flow, more houses were hit as neighbours battled to keep the tide away from their home.
One neighbour desperately tried to push the water away with a broom.
Gatton Park Road was closed from Monson Road to Carlton Road as engineers battled to fix the burst pipe. They are still on the scene now. Surrounding properties temporarily lost their water supply but the 20ins main was isolated and supplies were restored by 10am.
Police arrived and advised some households to evacuate with a centre point set up at Donyngs Leisure Centre, although many decided to stay put.
Clear-up work has now begun with many residents completely ripping up their ground floor rooms.
Ian Adams, Sutton and East Surrey Water's Operations Manager (Contracts), has been on the scene visiting affected householders. He said 13 homes had been flooded.
The water firm has brought in a specialist company to help clean-up affected properties, he said, and a loss adjustor is also on site.
He added: "We would like to offer our sincere apologies to all those who have been affected by this major burst.
"We are doing all we can to offer support and advice. We would ask anyone in need of assistance to get in touch with the company. "
Advice is available on the company's website at www.waterplc.com
Customers can also call 01737 763376.
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