Gwaelod-y-Garth residents evacuated after flood strikes village

Gwaelod-y-Garth residents evacuated after flood strikes village

A significant flooding event has forced the evacuation of residents in a village near Cardiff following an incident at a nearby quarry. In Gwaelod-y-Garth, several homes reported water levels reaching as high as five feet (1.5 meters), prompting road closures and emergency response efforts. Authorities have advised people to avoid the area as emergency services work to manage the situation on Thursday afternoon.

The Breedon Group, which operates the quarry, acknowledged that an “incident” occurred earlier in the day. The company stated, “Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities while engaging with the local community as we respond to the situation.” Meanwhile, the water supplier Dwr Cymru clarified that the flooding was not connected to its pipeline infrastructure.

Local residents recounted the sudden onset of flooding accompanied by a loud explosion. Laura Fergusson, who lives in Gwaelod-y-Garth, described the experience: “There was an explosion a couple of minutes before the water arrived through the village.” She added, “The whole house shook,” likening the sensation to “a mini earthquake.” Others reported being stopped at police cordons and are unable to assess the extent of damage to their properties. Neighbors indicated that the flooding followed shortly after the blast, with water rushing into their homes.

Images circulated on social media depict widespread flooding, including submerged gardens, local football club grounds, and numerous roads. While the flow of water from the direction of Pentyrch has ceased, significant amounts of muddy brown water remain throughout the village. Multiple fire and rescue teams from surrounding areas, including Whitchurch, Pontypridd, Ely, Roath, Caerphilly, and Penarth, have been deployed to assist with the ongoing response efforts

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