FAMILIES forced out of their homes after severe flooding in a Tilbury tower block are unlikely to return before Christmas, as the extent of the damage is revealed.

Residents of Brisbane House, a 15-storey block in Tilbury, were evacuated on November 12 when a pipe connected to a rooftop water tank burst, sending water cascading through the building and damaging communal areas and flats. The incident left 64 homes uninhabitable.

Claire Demmel, Thurrock Council's interim executive director of place, told councillors at Thursday's (27 November) place overview and scrutiny committee that the scale of the damage was significant.

"Flooding affected communal areas, lifts and lift shafts and mainly affected flats on the higher levels," she said.

"Both the lifts and electrical systems had to be switched off entirely for safety reasons. They've had to dry out and extensive testing of both will need to take place before they can be safely reinstated. This includes testing electrical systems in every flat."

Ms Demmel explained that until the electrics and lifts are declared safe, residents cannot return. The council is working with insurers to assess the damage and begin repairs, but access to all flats will be required before the block can be signed off and residents are urged to hand over their keys to the council. While Ms Demmel was unable to give a time frame for the work to be completed, the scale of work needed suggests a lengthy process.

Some displaced families remain in hotels, while others have been found temporary accommodation or are living with relatives. Ms Demmel said the council is trying to secure housing with better facilities, such as kitchens, and will continue to extend hotel bookings where necessary.

"We appreciate the time of year. It's absolutely heart breaking, but we're trying to do our best by the people we serve," she added.

Residents were expected to receive updates today (Friday, 28 November) about financial arrangements, including rent on the damaged properties. Ms Demmel stressed that no one will pay extra for temporary accommodation, but warned that stopping rent charges could have unintended consequences for benefits linked to tenancy agreements.

"We want to ensure the information we give out is exactly right and easy to understand," she said.

Committee chairman Cllr Roy Jones described the situation as "horrendous," adding: "It's dreadful to think of what people went through that night, especially so close to Christmas."