“A Heart-Pounding Moment: My Son’s Terrifying Misconception of Drowning”

A dad who awoke to discover “everything was adrift” in his residence shared that his young son “believed we were going to drown” during the New Year’s Day floods.

Daniel Pownall stated he, his partner, and their two kids were awakened at 03:00 GMT by neighbors yelling “we are sinking”.

The 39-year-old mentioned that his dwelling was among 12 homes on West End Road in Haydock, Merseyside, which were inundated following the River Sankey overflowed its banks.

Persistent heavy rainfall also caused extensive and severe flooding across substantial areas of Cheshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester.

Mr. Pownall communicated with BBC Radio Merseyside: “Merely observing the destruction downstairs, from our microwave to our fridges adrift in the living room, there was nothing we could manage.

“Everyone crammed into our bed; all the children, it felt like a moment from the Titanic.

“We had to remain and wait until it [the water] receded. As it diminished, we began to detect all the ruin, and the water was so frigid you couldn’t even place your feet in.

“My younger son was heartbroken – he thought we were going to perish.”

Merely the Christmas tree stood tall in his lounge, Mr. Pownall remarked.

The children’s wrecked gifts were still lying beneath the tree, he mentioned.

Mr. Pownall indicated that insurance firms were evaluating the damage while his children stayed with his parents.

He added that the council had organized lodging for his family in a nearby hotel until further information.

Local donation hubs have been established in the neighborhood to assist those impacted.

A community church has received supplies including food and various donations.

Neil Fairhurst, secretary at Christ Church Haydock URC, expressed that it was truly unfortunate for the flooding to occur during “a time of rest and tranquility,” but he was pleased that the community rallied to provide aid.

He mentioned that locals required second-hand towels and mops for the clean-up efforts.

Mr. Pownall remarked that he “cannot express enough gratitude for all the contributions” and added that “an incredible number of people have come forward with food donations.”

St Helens council leader Anthony Burns stated that it was “one of the most severe floods we have experienced” in the Great Sankey and St Helens region.

He indicated that it was premature to determine when residents might be able to return home, as insurance companies needed to conduct assessments and evaluate the damage.

Burns affirmed that the council would thoroughly investigate the origin of the flooding and collaborate with other entities.