The international rail operator Eurostar announced the cancellation of all train services connecting London with the European mainland on Saturday, affecting the travel plans of thousands of passengers during the New Year holiday.
Initially, Eurostar had cancelled 14 trains but later extended the cancellation to all 41 of the day’s services due to ongoing flooding issues. The exact cause of the flooding in railway tunnels under the River Thames near Ebbsfleet, east of London, remains unclear.
Recent heavy rainfall in parts of England and an official “yellow warning” for strong winds in southern England may have contributed to the flooding. TV footage displayed water pouring into one of the tunnels, submerging the railway track. At St Pancras station in London, hundreds of stranded passengers were seen waiting, surrounded by their luggage.
Eurostar expressed its commitment to supporting affected customers, emphasizing the importance of travel during the festive season and before New Year.
This cancellation marks the second major disruption for Eurostar passengers during the holiday season. Previously, on December 21, an unexpected strike by French workers led to the thwarting of Christmas travel plans for thousands. These consecutive disruptions highlight the vulnerability of international travel to unforeseen events and weather conditions.
