Millions of pounds of damage to commercial buildings and homes in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, are estimated after the worst floods in southern England for decades.
Tens of thousands of pounds of damage have been caused to shops in Uckfield, East Sussex, alone, where a torrent more than (0.91m) 3ft deep washed through the high street.
The pressure of the water burst through shop windows. Dozens of shops and offices were devastated. One pub, The Anchor Inn, was almost submerged as the river Uck broke its banks.
The Harvey’s brewery collapsed In Lewes, where dozens of homes, shops and offices were wrecked.
Total insurance claims could run to about £150m.
Financial Times 13/10/00 page 6
The Daily Telegraph 13/10/00 page 1, page 2-5
The Times 13/10/00 page 1, page 10-11
The Independent 13/10/00 page 1, page 5
The Guardian 13/10/00 page 1, page 7
