Widespread floods in east and north-east London and the western borders of Essex has brought crisis 2 million Londoners. The large Lea Bridge Water Works have been put almost out of action by floodwater which has submerged many of the filter beds, and emergency methods of supply by mobile water wagons is being introduced. Many streets are flooded and householders have been forced to move upstairs of deepwater invaded ground floor rooms. 15 March 1947