I really don't see what all this fuss is about machinery being underground. Most of London Underground switchgear and electrics is underground. Mine switchgear and generator facilities are underground. Most of the UK War Office was underground (and probably still is). It's not the fact that it's underground - it's the fact that it was overwhelmed by water. As has already been said, the pumps that keep the sump dry were overwhelmed and that is where the problem lies - inadequate pumping and drainage on a clay subsoil.
Last edited by Sunnyjohn; 3rd Jan 2014 at 19:37.
Reason: removal of period