A home has partially collapsed after a burst water main caused widespread damage.
Dramatic pictures from Park Lane West in Tipton, Birmingham, showed external walls had given way completely.
Other properties in the area suffered minor damage.
Repair crews are expected to be at the scene until Tuesday.
Pete Aspley, wholesale service delivery director at South Staffs Water, said: “Due to the burst water main, around 20 properties on Park Lane West appear to have been damaged, one of them severely.
“We have a team on site who are working with the emergency services and we are in contact with the people affected.
“We are working with the householders involved to ensure they have everything they need at the moment and we will be putting them in touch with our insurance company.
“We’re really sorry for the distress this has caused.”
West Midlands Fire Service wrote in a Tweet: “Multiple crews are still in attendance at the flooding on Park Lane West, Tipton. @SthStaffsWater have confirmed the water main has been isolated and water levels have reduced considerably. Our priority now is making safe the area and surrounding properties.”
Sandwell Council said Tipton Green Junior School would be closed on Tuesday.
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