THE flooding in South Essex this summer devastated parts of the county, leaving businesses, roads, and homes in ruin.

For some people, lightning has struck twice. A freakish storm in August 2013, labelled as a once in 100 years occurrence, struck again this summer.

In July, heavy downpours waterlogged several parts of Canvey, damaging homes and rendering a lot of routes unpassable.

Then in Southend, Marine Parade flooded last month, in what was a chilling echo for businesses trying to rebuild after they were whitewashed in 2013.

Now traders say they are finding it very hard to get insurance for their businesses.

But it is not just traders having problems.

Chris Carter, 63, of Leigh, rents out his property, which flooded in Victoria Avenue both this year and last.

He has now been told he can’t get the home insured, and admits he will struggle to sell it.

He said: “It is a potential disaster as financially, I’m not sure I’ll be able to sell it, or even rent it out if my tenant leaves.

“It has cost me thousands in damage and when I’ve gone to renew my insurance no-one will touch me.”

Insurance experts say businesses and homeowners should still be able to get insurance on their properties – but at increased rates.

Malcolm Tarling, of the Association of British Insurers, said: “Owners of homes and businesses should still be able to get flood insurance.

Insurers will take into account the cost of claims, and also the flood risk in the area generally.

“For domestic customers their existing insurer will continue to offer flood cover at a price that reflects the risk until a new scheme that will cap flood insurance premiums for homeowners.”