Isle of Wight flooding sees volunteers band together for Storm Ciaran

The CP went to meet Islander Sam Loba, from Sandown, who is co-ordinating efforts to assist those devastated by heavy rain and flooding.

He has managed to pull together a team of volunteers who are driving around the Island, around the clock, to unblock drains and pump out water from roads.

"We're trying to take the stress off Island Roads really", Sam said.

Read more: LIVE updates as heavy rain and floods hit the Isle of Wight

"It's easy to sit there and point the blame when you're sat there on Facebook watching Eastenders, but it's not really their fault."

"It's 50 per cent us wanting to help people who are struggling and 50 per cent, it's a bunch of grown men jumping in puddles!"

Since last Wednesday (25), the team have helped clear water from Esplanades in East Cowes and Ryde.

They have also been to St Mary's Hospital, to pump away water, and other places in Newport, including Sainsbury's and Hunnyhill Aquatics.

Read more: £40,000 flood devastation for Isle of Wight aquatics shop

Among those assisting efforts is Jamie Webster, from company Reno Drain.

Jamie told the County Press: "I always like to give back. It is my own business and I like to give back because in times of need we need people to deliver and help out.

"The damage to people's properties has been immense and to know there is more to come, we're just preparing for what's to come."

To get ready for the arrival of Storm Ciaran, Sam and the volunteers have been making sand bags for those in need.

Between them, Tesco and Asda have donated around 800 plastic bags and sand has been donated by Wight Building Materials.

Now that Sam and the team have sourced bags and sand, they need help to put them together.

They are asking for volunteers to help and can be found at Seaclose Park car park, just behind the skate park today (Monday).

Councillor Matthew Price, who also runs Prices Garage, has donated money to help with fuel costs and organised for the location for the sand to be dropped.

Volunteers clearing flood water from the road outside Binstead Golf Course. (Image: Sam Loba)

Sand dropped off at Seaclose. (Image: Sam Loba)

Sam is urging Islanders to keep an eye on his posts in the Isle of Wight Community Facebook page.

He is asking that only Islanders in need of help comment on the posts to enable him to filter through the messages easier.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to thank the volunteers for their efforts but Sam, although grateful, told the County Press the money is better off going to those who have lost their homes and are living in hostels with their kids.