Hyundai i30 diesel 2013 1.6.  I drove through a flooded part of road, not over a foot deep about 30-40ft long. All was ok and I drove another 4 miles with no problems. Then a speed bump jumped out of nowhere!  I was not doing over 20mph, more like 10-15, had just turned a corner. There was an immediate grating noise and I pulled over to find the wheel arch panel hanging down behind the tyre. Front passenger side. I was able to just pull it out. That left a small part in the middle which slipped back in, so assuming the arch panel broke in two.
Is this piece just decorative or does it stop water getting into the engine. As I'm tempted not to replace it (might happen again).
TIA

[asathorny]

rotten luck Whoopsie, I had something similar only in reverse.  Whilst driving through a flood I drop down a manhole of some description.  As the vehicle, I was driving was 15 tons and quite large it was a shrug of my shoulders, luckily for me.  Fingers crossed for ya

[Shambles]

Is this piece just decorative or does it stop water getting into the engine.

Hi.

It's there for a good reason - mostly protection, as you surmised.

Its job is to block dirt, mud, water, environmental toxins, slush (in snowy areas), and other impurities from seeping into the engine bay and causing severe corrosion and harm. It also helps protect the wiring and other components inside of the wheel well from corrosion.

[Shambles]

And with that, and no response to the replies, WoopsieDaisy has deleted their account.

Nice

[asathorny]

cheeky bugger 

[TerryT]

And with that, and no response to the replies, WoopsieDaisy has deleted their account.

Nice

Makes you wonder about their mindset.