Tenants of flooded flats uncertain over future
GooglePeople living in a tower block have spoken of their uncertainty after the property was evacuated for safety reasons.
The 31 households were left without power after an internal flood damaged the electrical system at Priory Court, on Gateshead's Hopper Street, on Friday.
Some went to stay with family members while others were offered accommodation in nearby hotels, but said they were left unclear about their long-term future.
The council said it was assessing the full extent of the damage, with a view to returning residents to their home as soon as possible.
Resident Maurice Birdsall told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It was like a waterfall going down the landing, then the electricity blew, there was nothing.
"It is in a state like, and it still smells, off the electrics."
The 71-year-old added: "We are being told different stories, some are saying we will be in the Ramada Hotel for a week.
"I thought we would be there by now, it happened on Friday."
'Struggles with walking'
Lesley Stanners, who took her 80-year-old-father into her home in Stoneygate, said: "My dad phoned me on Friday and said the water had gone off and they had to evacuate.
"I told him to come to mine...with my brother who also lives there.
"Nobody from the council has contacted me at all - I rang and they said they were in a meeting and would be in touch.
"My dad struggles with walking and with living in a house he struggles to get up and my bathroom is upstairs.
"He doesn't want to go to a hotel, he is 80."
A council spokesperson said temporary facilities were opened at the civic centre, with people relocated to hotels or with family and friends within hours of the flood.
"Investigations are ongoing...and we are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, with a view to returning residents to their home as soon as possible," they said.
"Immediate next steps include continuing support for affected residents, and notifying neighbouring blocks about related works and car park impacts."