'I'm a bit numb': Families hit by Hampshire floods forced to move into hotels for up to 6 months

• Watch the full report by ITV Meridian's Mike Pearse

A major clear up operation is underway in Hampshire after thirty homes were flooded when a water main burst in Hedge End near Southampton.

Residents said, at one point, the water was up to their knees during the flood on Sunday.

Sixteen families had to move into hotels and homeowners have been told they will have to stay out of their homes for months, to allow for repairs.

One resident described the feeling of loss as "a bit numb".

She told ITV Meridian: "I can't really panic because these things happen I suppose, but I wasn't expecting it on a Sunday morning as I was getting ready to go to work. I think it will hit me later on."

• Marcia Hammond, Resident:

Marcia Hammond decided to stay at home on Sunday night, despite the flooding. She has since been told that the flood damage is so extensive she will almost certainly have to move out.

She said: "I'm not happy, I would rather it wasn't happening. At least I know they are going to sort it out, I have to put up with it.

"I still can move out because the workmen just told me that although I didn't go last night, I might have to."

Another homeowner said he "couldn't believe it" when he saw the flooding on Sunday.

He added: "Water covered everywhere and it was just spewing out of the drains."

The cause of the burst main is still being investigated by Southern Water.

The company said the water was re-directed to help make sure people still had a supply on Sunday.

Southern Water said its team is "currently planning the repair so it'll cause the least disruption" and is "really sorry for the disruption this emergency has caused."