Around 100 people were saved by firefighters after a burst water main caused flooding in Islington on Tuesday afternoon.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) have confirmed that around 50 people and three dogs were rescued by firefighters using inflatable boats, with a further 50 evacuated from their properties, due to a burst 36-inch water main.
Six fire engines and dozens of firefighters, along with two specialist fire and rescue units, with inflatable boats, pumping equipment and flood kits, were called to the scene around 1.45pm.
Crews from Dowgate, Euston, Soho and surrounding fire stations attended the scene, with the area between Caledonian Road and Twyford Street to the junction of Thornhill Bridge Wharf and Caledonian Road particularly badly affected.
Thames Water promptly confirmed that customers in N1, N7, WC1X and EC1R postcodes were experiencing low water pressure or no water, and worked to isolate the damaged section of pipe.
At 6.30pm, Thames Water said they had successfully isolated the damaged section of pipe, stabilising the network and restoring water supply to the wider area, and at 8.45pm, they confirmed that all valve operations had been completed with water returning to all affected customers.
LFB have confirmed that there are currently no reports of any injuries.
Footage from earlier in the day shows brown water flowing down the street, with vehicles struggling to stay in control.
Caledonian Road N1 now. Another success in water management by @thameswater @IslingtonTrib @IslingtonBC pic.twitter.com/o6ERKHRjqt
— Philip Rutnam (@PhilipRutnam) February 24, 2026
Islington council staff supported the emergency services, with Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, saying: “My heart goes out to the residents, businesses, and organisations that have been impacted by this afternoon’s flooding on Caledonian Road.
“We’re working with the emergency services to support those that are affected, and to ensure that those that have had to evacuate can return home as quickly as possible.
“Local people simply shouldn’t have to face this level of disruption – we’re doing all we can to resolve this, but we’re calling on Thames Water to manage the situation, and help get our residents and businesses back into their properties as quickly as possible.”
Anna Longman, who lives close to Caledonian Road, told The Standard that she was walking home from the Kings Cross area at around 1.55pm, when she came upon the flood water.
She said: “Suddenly, cars were slowing down. It was awash, like a river, brown water flowing very quickly. One lady had to abandon her bike, and a nice young man helped her out. You couldn’t see the pavement or kerbs, it was very dramatic.
“I think cars were trying to get through before it was shut off. Nobody could cross, it was like having a brown, fast flowing river right in front of you.”
In Thames Water’s latest statement, they confirmed that water was returning to affected customers, but said that electricity to local residents has been temporarily switched off.
The statement said: “For safety reasons, electricity to local residents has been temporarily switched off. We understand this creates further disruption, and we’re very sorry. We’ll carry out thorough safety testing before restoring power to ensure it’s safe to do so.”
They added: “Thank you so much for your patience, we know how difficult it is to be without water, and we truly appreciate your patience.”
Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South & Finsbury and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, was scathing in her comments about Thames Water’s “mismanagement”.
She said: “Yet again, residents and businesses in our community are left suffering because of Thames Water’s mismanagement.
“I am in urgent contact with Thames Water and am following progress on the repair closely. I expect Thames Water to break their past pattern of behaviour. They must look after those that are flooded and those without water. And they must do it properly: mitigating their suffering, acting fast, and communicating properly.
“My office stands ready to support any residents or businesses impacted.”
Flooding in #Islington around Caledonian Road has now been contained.
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) February 24, 2026
The Brigade's specialist Fire and Rescue Units used inflatable boats to rescue 50 people and three dogs. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries.
A rest centre remains open for those affected. https://t.co/danO4SUgUf pic.twitter.com/BWhM2w860T
A respite centre for affected residents remains in operation at Islington Tennis Centre Market.
