Widespread Flooding Persists Across England and Europe After Torrential Storms

Extensive flooding from heavy rainfall has inundated communities across England, France, and the Netherlands over the past week. Floodwaters have swamped homes, businesses, and farmland, disrupting travel and forcing residents to evacuate.

In England, the storm brought torrential rains that overwhelmed rivers and waterways. Over 1,000 homes and businesses have been flooded so far across the country, with more rainfall expected in the coming days.

The hardest hit were riverside towns along the River Trent in central and eastern England. In Newark-on-Trent, the downtown area was submerged under several feet of water.

Store owner Ken Button pumped water from his flooded furniture shop but lamented that there would still be extensive damage.

Rescue crews evacuated residents from another inundated village along the Trent while officials warned those downstream to prepare for rapidly rising waters. “It’s been a terrible start to the new year,” said Button. “We’ll have to see what we can salvage.”