Vodafone HQ Flooded by UK Rains

Torrential rains which affected much of the UK last week have flooded the global headquarters of Vodafone which is based in a shallow valley near Newbury, Berkshire. It is reported that an ornamental lake in the center of the complex of offices overflowed when the nearby Lambourn river burst its banks - resulting in the evacuation of some 2,000 staff. The round floors of offices are reportedly not expected to be usable until later this week.

The stream that runs between the Vodafone buildings. Photo taken on a somewhat dryer day

An internal email was sent around the building: "Dear Colleagues, as you will be aware the Newbury HQ campus is currently affected by heavy rain causing the buildings to be flooded. As of this situation the power will be shutdown shortly."

Ironically, the local water management company recently announced plans to improve the local sewer network in the Lambourn valley to improve drainage."

Posted to the site on 23rd July 2007