MORE than 10,000 sandbags have been deployed in Hampshire in the past 48 hours.

The action by Hampshire County Council comes after weeks of heavy rain led to the flooding of houses in the county.

A total of 19 homes have been evacuated in the Grampian Way area of Buckskin since Saturday. Around 50 people have been affected.

Other areas of flooding in Hampshire include Preston Candover, Romsey and Winchester.

A engineering team from the county council has been sent to Preston Candover to improve drainage by widening ditches.

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “The situation we are in is undeniably challenging and for the foreseeable future, with further rain expected, it will remain so.

“Nonetheless, we are determined that every effort is made with our partners to try and keep roads open and to provide support to the most affected areas.”

Cllr Perry said he had received “very positive feedback” about how communities are coming together in the face of rising floodwater.

Meanwhile, firefighters in Hampshire have warned about carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by using pumps to expel water from homes.

Neil Odin, assistant chief officer at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said he supported the use of these tools but wanted them to be used safely.

He added: “Any fuel-driven equipment should not be used indoors – petrol and diesel pumps and generators emit CO within the exhaust gases and this can be deadly.

“If you are using any fuel-driven device within two metres of your home keep all windows and doors shut.”