REACT's Ongoing Response to the Bedford Floods: What We Know So Far

Pictured: REACT Flood Responders carefully navigating flood water in Kempston, Bedfordshire. Credit: Rich McSweeney

Earlier this week, torrential downpours brought over two months’ worth of rainfall to parts of England, resulting in devastating flash floods. Areas like Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, and London were hit hard, with flooded homes, submerged cars, and widespread travel disruptions. Bedfordshire was among the worst affected, and as floodwaters rose, many residents urgently needed support.

The Flooding Crisis in Bedford

The flash floods are wreaking havoc on multiple regions, with Bedfordshire being particularly badly affected. Roads have been transformed into rivers, homes flooded, and many residents have been left stranded. In Kempston, the floodwaters rose to dangerous levels, peaking at two feet in some places, and isolating entire communities. The flooding has also brought disruption to transportation networks, with cars submerged and travel on the tube network in London facing severe delays.

For many residents, the floods have not only damaged property but they have also brought a sense of helplessness as access to key areas has become increasingly difficult. REACT's Flood Team deployed on Wednesday to support the response led by Bedford Borough Council. 

REACT's Immediate Response

In the wake of the floods, REACT deployed their first flood team to Bedfordshire on Wednesday, 25th September, in response to an urgent call for help from Bedford Borough Council. Their initial focus was on helping the residents of Kempston, a community where floodwaters had risen significantly. The REACT team worked door-to-door, distributing flood defences and offering vital advice on how to safeguard homes from further damage.

One of the key tools they provided was Aqua Sacks—lightweight, compact alternatives to traditional sandbags. These sacks expand when in contact with water, creating a barrier that can help defend properties from rising waters. Aqua Sacks are a practical solution during emergencies like this, where the flooding occurs rapidly, and sandbag distribution may not be quick enough.

What Are Aqua Sacks?

Aqua Sacks are an innovative resource used for flood control in a similar way to traditional sandbags. They are:

• Compact and lightweight: They can be easily transported and stored.
• Rapid to expand: Upon contact with water, Aqua Sacks swell to create an effective barrier against floods.
• Reusable: Unlike sandbags, they can be dried out and reused for future emergencies.

This innovative solution has proven to be a lifesaver in flooded areas like Kempston, where traditional sandbags could not be deployed quickly enough.

Ongoing Efforts

Conditions worsened on Wednesday when the flood team had to halt their operations at midnight. The water levels rose to a point where even their flood vehicles could no longer traverse the roads safely. The flooded streets became too dangerous for continued efforts, with the force of the water posing a significant risk to emergency responders.

However, REACT teams resumed work at 06:00 the following morning. With the floods still a major threat, the team navigated treacherous waters to reach more residents, this time in Turvey, another badly affected area. Their efforts have focused on visiting vulnerable households, handing out flood defences, and offering guidance on how to protect homes from further flood damage.

The REACT teams have continued to work tirelessly, ensuring that essential support is delivered to those most in need, especially in isolated and hard-to-reach areas. They have been a lifeline to many residents, offering more than just physical help—providing reassurance and critical advice during a time of extreme distress.

Community Support and Donations

REACT's Flood Teams are entirely funded by public donations. Unlike government-funded relief efforts, REACT relies on the generosity of the public to fund its operations. This allows them to respond swiftly and efficiently to crises like the Bedford floods. With the flooding still ongoing and many households remaining at risk, donations are crucial to sustain REACT’s efforts. 

Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in REACT’s ability to help residents impacted by these devastating floods.