December 31st 2023.
Eurostar services are set to resume today after the 'unprecedented' flooding that caused all services to be cancelled on Saturday. Thousands of people were left stranded and their New Year's Eve plans ruined due to a burst pipe that flooded a train tunnel under the River Thames in London.
Fortunately, the flooding had been brought under control by the end of Saturday, meaning at least one tunnel can now be used. However, due to speed restrictions and uncertainty around using the second tunnel, further delays are possible.
Delays and cancellations are also expected on some domestic routes on Sunday due to staff shortages and bad weather. In a statement, Eurostar said that they 'understand how frustrating this has been for passengers and apologise for the inconvenience caused at such an important time of the year.'
HS1, which runs the route between London and the Channel Tunnel, explained that the flooding was caused by a burst pipe that fed the tunnel's fire safety system. This caused water to fill the tunnels near Ebbsfleet International in Kent, scuppering all high speed services.
The issue has also disrupted Southeastern Railway trains, running a reduced service between Ashford and St Pancras International. Thameslink services have also been affected due to a 'shortage of train crew', and this disruption is expected to continue into Sunday.
The Met Office has warned of disruption to domestic journeys this weekend due to windy conditions sweeping the UK, as well as rain and snow in Scotland.
Long queues are still expected for Eurostar services on Sunday morning, so customers are encouraged to visit the Eurostar website for more information on their journey and compensation entitlement.
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