Indirect Speech - 'there was'

[Luisc]

Ok, I have this doubt:

Direct Speech: He said, "There was a flood in the city"

Indirect Speech:

a) He said that there had been a flood in the city
or
b) He said that there was a flood in the city

whats the correct answer ?

[Jamie (K)]

a) He said that there had been a flood in the city.
This is correct if the flood has already abated, if the emergency has ended.

b) He said that there was a flood in the city.
This is correct if the city is still under water.