Residents of Great Glen, Leicestershire, are living in constant fear following two severe floods in just one year that have devastated their village. More than 50 homes were engulfed last January, a dramatic increase from the five homes flooded the previous year during Storm Henk.
Among those severely impacted are Andy and Angela Smith, who have endured both flooding events. Andy, 68, who is battling terminal cancer, described the historic 1610 home they bought in 2014 as never having experienced flooding before. However, the floods of January 2, 2024, forced them to replace nearly everything in their house.
“Everything downstairs was new, the kitchen was new. We lived upstairs for a month, but that was enough,” Andy recalls. Caring for their two dogs amid contaminated grounds added to the exhaustion. After moving to alternative accommodation a month later, they prepared to return home only to face flooding again on January 6, 2025. This second flood submerged their house three feet deep, destroying their recently replaced belongings and shattering their hopes of normalcy.
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The couple finally returned last October after being displaced for 21 months. To safeguard their property and neighbors’ homes, Andy invested in floodgates and installed waterproof mortar and fluid restraints in the garage, which sits below the house. Still, work remains on their back garden.
Susan and Gurdip Bains have also yet to return to their home on Main Street, which was flooded to the first two steps inside. After more than a year away, they continue restoration efforts including installing new kitchens, flood doors, and improved drainage. The couple have moved multiple times due to ongoing issues with their rental properties and hope to return this March.
Susan reflects on the ordeal, saying, “We’ve had the worst of the floods. Nothing can get worse now.” Despite trepidation, there is a growing sense of relief as recovery progresses.
Local authorities urge residents to assess their own flood risk and stay informed through official channels to better prepare for future events.