© Reuters. Passengers collect on the departure gates of the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras Worldwide Station after the providers are cancelled on account of a flooded tunnel, in London, Britain, December 30, 2023. REUTERS/Belinda Jiao
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PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) -Flooding in railway tunnels in southeastern England compelled the cancellation of all trains linking London with the European mainland on Saturday, worldwide rail operator Eurostar mentioned, disrupting New Yr vacation journey for hundreds of passengers.
Eurostar had initially cancelled 14 trains working on Saturday however mentioned it had determined to cancel all the day’s providers – a complete of 41 trains – because the flooding continued.
It was not instantly clear what had induced the flooding within the railway tunnels underneath the River Thames close to Ebbsfleet, east of London.
Components of England have confronted heavy rain in current days and an official “yellow warning” for sturdy and gusty winds is in place in southern England.
Tv footage confirmed water gushing into one of many tunnels and masking the monitor, whereas at St Pancras station in London, lots of of stranded passengers with suitcases sat ready on the concourse.
“We perceive it is a very important time to get house on the finish of the festive season and forward of New Yr and we’re supporting prospects in stations,” Eurostar mentioned in an emailed assertion.
The cancellation is the second disruption for Eurostar prospects throughout this vacation season. On Dec. 21, a shock industrial strike by French staff thwarted Christmas journey plans for hundreds.