Pontypridd: Residents angry after Storm Bert hits
"Anger Following Storm Bert's Destructive Path"
Photo credit: Getty Images
Residents of Pontypridd are working to protect their homes following the recent floods.
Residents in south Wales are upset over what they perceive as inadequate readiness for Storm Bert, particularly after many areas suffered significant damage from intense rainfall over the weekend.
In Pontypridd, located in Rhondda Cynon Taf, local residents expressed that the mistakes made during Storm Dennis were not taken into account. This storm had severely flooded the town in 2020.
Andrew Morgan, the head of the RCT council, expressed his surprise that only a yellow weather warning was issued following Storm Bert, as he had anticipated an amber warning instead.
The Met Office stated that they would carry out a comprehensive evaluation, adding that the storm was predicted well ahead of time and that several warnings had been issued.
First Minister Eluned Morgan described the effects of Storm Bert as extremely destructive.
"We should all recognize how serious and common these incidents are," she remarked, noting that "over the past few years, hundreds of millions of pounds have been invested in flood protection measures in Wales."
Council leader Andrew Morgan expressed his "surprise" that a red warning wasn't issued for Storm Bert.
"Before Storm Dennis hit, we received an amber warning ahead of time, followed by a red warning issued in the early morning hours," he explained.
He mentioned that approximately 200 to 300 properties were impacted, as the rainfall exceeded certain records established during Storm Dennis.
He mentioned that one bridge, currently being built and originally replaced after Storm Dennis, was entirely swept away.
Photo credit: PA Media
Firefighters extracting water from Sion Street near the River Taff.
Paula Williams, who lives on Sion Street in Pontypridd near the River Taff, mentioned that she found out about the flooding on Sunday morning when a neighbor came to her door to inform her.
She mentioned that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) ignored the alerts from local residents during the previous flooding incidents.
"This time, only around four inches of water have gotten in, but it's in the exact same spot we reported to NRW previously," she mentioned.
"They've attempted to persuade everyone that the flood protection systems were effective. However, I have recorded evidence showing that these systems failed."
She mentioned that it was the local residents coming together to safeguard their homes that prevented the flooding from being as severe as it was in 2020.
NRW stated that it is "premature" to evaluate whether different actions could have been taken.
Photo credit: PA Media
Local residents help save a vehicle from floodwaters on Sion Street.
In another part of Wales, Connor Turner, the owner of the Vine Tree pub in Crickhowell, Powys, just wrapped up some recent renovations a few days prior.
The establishment, located on the southern side of the Usk River, had been completely renovated.
On Sunday, the restaurant had to shut down due to the flooding, leading to the cancellation of all reservations.
"It seems to have become something we all accept now. We really need to find a lasting answer," he remarked.
He mentioned that he didn’t know who to direct his anger towards.
"Many are claiming that we simply need to be strong and adaptable. However, it's frustrating to think that there isn't a lasting solution to our problems."
Photo credit: Connor Turner
Storm Bert caused the streets near the Vine Tree pub in Crickhowell to be inundated with water.
Devon Eason, the manager of Blackwood Rugby Club in Caerphilly, expressed his deep disappointment after the club's facilities and grounds were affected by the flooding.
Just a few months back, he invested a lot of money to upgrade the facilities. Now, the club is having to cancel multiple events as they work on repairing everything.
"We completed the renovation of the function room around two months back, installing all new carpets, tables, chairs, and restrooms. That's why I'm really disappointed," he remarked.
Mr. Eason mentioned that between 50 and 60 community members arrived with water vacuums and sandbags.
"It really highlights the significance of the club in people's lives."
Photo credit: Blackwood Rugby Club
The club was completely booked until Christmas, but they needed to cancel a number of events as they work on revitalizing the establishment.
In a message on X, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for their efforts in safeguarding communities.
The Welsh Government expressed sympathy for those affected by flooding in their homes and businesses, emphasizing that the distress and impact of such situations should not be overlooked.
Sian Williams, who leads the operations for Natural Resources Wales in North West Wales, mentioned:
I understand that many people are feeling upset and are looking for answers. They want some kind of guarantee that this situation will not occur again.
Simon Brown, the director of services at the Met Office, stated that:
As with any storm that has a name, we will be conducting a thorough evaluation of the forecast and warning plans in collaboration with our partners. I anticipate that this will occur in the next few days.
The alerts issued for Wales emphasized the likelihood that homes and businesses could be inundated with rapidly moving or deep floodwaters, posing a serious risk to safety.
Further contributions by Charlie Buckland.
