Monmouth floods prompt 'danger to life' warnings and evacuations

Monmouth floods prompt 'danger to life' warnings and evacuations

Following the impact of Storm Claudia, Monmouth in South Wales has experienced severe flooding after the local river overflowed its banks, prompting the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to declare a major incident. The extent of flooding has been described as widespread, with emergency teams actively engaged in rescues, evacuations, welfare checks, and relocating residents to safer locations. Agencies including Gwent Police, Welsh Ambulance Service, and Monmouthshire council are collaborating closely in the ongoing response efforts.

Natural Resources Wales has issued four severe flood warnings in the Monmouth area, highlighting the significant threat to life due to the rising waters. Across Wales, over 40 flood alerts and warnings remain active as the threat from heavy rain and storm conditions continues. Responding to these dangers, fire service area manager Matt Jones emphasized the seriousness of the situation by calling the flooding “significant.” He urged the public to stay away from the affected zones to keep routes open for emergency services, remarking, “We need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most.”

Residents in immediate peril or those requiring urgent assistance have been advised to dial 999 to ensure prompt emergency intervention. The severe flood warnings are specifically targeting the River Wye at Monmouth as well as the River Monnow in locations such as Watery Lane, Over Monnow; Forge Road, Osbaston; and Skenfrith. Monmouthshire council has committed to continuing their efforts alongside emergency responders throughout the weekend by assessing the damage and beginning the cleanup operations to restore safety and services within the community.

The storm’s effects extended beyond Monmouth, with flooding recorded at locations such as the pier at Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan. On Friday evening, Storm Claudia also caused travel disruptions and widespread power outages affecting hundreds of homes, including 330 in Cardiff, 285 in Tregaron, 68 near St Clears, and 41 in Camarthen according to figures from the National Grid. The recent heavy rainfalls follow earlier flooding in Carmarthen that a local business owner described as the “worst in living memory,” underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by these storm events across Wales

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