55 homes flooded as Perry Brook bursts its banks in extreme rain

Fifty-five homes were flooded internally when Perry Brook burst its banks during extreme rainfall, with water reaching up to a metre deep in the worst-affected properties.

Birmingham City Council and the fire service carried out door-to-door visits on the night of the flooding to find vulnerable residents and council tenants who had been affected, and follow-up support is being arranged.

Safety checks on gas and power

The council has been working with National Grid and Cadent Gas to make sure safety checks are carried out at affected properties. National Grid was asked to prioritise a vulnerable resident who relies on electricity to power essential medical equipment.

"I understand the significant impact Wednesday night's flooding has had on residents in the area around Perry Brook," said Councillor Izzy Knowles, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport.

She said the council was working with other agencies to put preventative measures in place ahead of more rain forecast, and that in many areas water levels had dropped quickly once the rain eased.

What caused it

Some residents have asked whether blocked or poorly maintained drains played a part. The council says the flooding happened because Perry Brook broke its banks as a result of the extreme weather, and that once it had, the highway drainage network helped disperse the floodwater.

If you are affected

If your home has flooded, do not touch electrical sockets or switches that have been in water, and have gas and electricity checked before using them again. You can report flooding to the council, and in an emergency, or if lives are at risk, call 999. The Environment Agency's Floodline gives advice and warnings on 0345 988 1188.