Families in Seven Kings have been desperately trying to stop water coming in after their homes were flooded following torrential rain this morning.
Rainwater seeped into homes in Spencer Road and Chester Road, with homeowners using sandbags in an attempt to block it out.
Others resorted to using buckets to remove the water.
Sonia and Junior Smith, who live in Spencer Road, said it took six hours for sandbags to be delivered to them.
Mrs Smith said: “We rang the fire service and they said they couldn’t do anything until the flood water had actually come in.”
“Luckily we were off work or else we wouldn’t have known what was going on.”
In Chester Road, flood victim Ali Ahmed said: “It’s a disaster. The river seems to have burst its banks.
“What we are worried about now is the weather.”
He said he had not received any sandbags, and had resorted to making his own.
“No one’s doing anything about it,” he added.
There are fears the situation could worsen this evening, with the Met Office forecasting more heavy showers or thunderstorms across the south east.
Pc Hayley Mattinson told the Recorder residents had been offered the chance to move out of their homes, but had all chosen to stay.
“We are just trying to figure out why the river is overflowing,” she said.
An incdient officer from Redbridge Council said there were now concerns about whether water could reach an electricity substation in Spencer Road, which backs onto the river.
A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: “Redbridge Council has been offering support to all residents who have been affected by flooding in the Seven Kings area.
“Council staff have been distributing sandbags to those who need them and a rest centre has been set up in the Mildmay Centre, where residents affected by flooding can get support and advice.
“The council will support anyone who cannot to return to their home to find suitable overnight accommodation.
“The substation is not currently affected, but we are working with partners including Thames Water and power networks to ensure it remains protected.”
Anyone who has concerns about possible future flooding should call the Environment Agency floodline 0845 9881188 or visit environment-agency.gov.uk for general advice and up to date weather warnings.
If you are directly affected by flooding you can call the council’s 24 hour helpline 020 8554 5000.
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