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Flooding wreaks havoc across large areas of Wales

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FLOODING has wreaked havoc across large areas of Wales following relentless rainfall overnight and into this morning. Weather warnings remain in place, and numerous roads have been closed due to hazardous conditions. Affected residents and motorists are urged to stay informed and avoid travel where possible.

TRANSPORT CHAOS

A railway line in the Cynon Valley has been submerged, with images showing Cwmbach train station entirely underwater. Severe flooding has also been reported in the Rhondda, Pontypridd, Blackwood, and Ebbw Vale. Roads across the region, including the A465 and sections of the A5 and A494, are impassable, with diversions causing significant delays.

COMMUNITIES HIT HARD

Residents on Sion Street, Pontypridd, face some of the worst conditions. Photos show householders using buckets and bins to bail out floodwater, as emergency services work tirelessly to assist. Berw Road, also in Pontypridd, has seen similar devastation, with businesses and homes overwhelmed by water. Cardiff’s Bute Park has been closed due to the risk of flooding.

In Blackwood, the local rugby club and surrounding areas are submerged, leaving vehicles stranded. A restaurant in the town, Bistro 8, remains closed due to rising waters.

MAJOR INCIDENTS DECLARED

Rhondda Cynon Taf council has declared a major incident, citing “significant flooding” across the area. Emergency centres have been opened, and sandbags distributed to mitigate further damage. Merthyr Tydfil council also reported several inaccessible roads and is providing evacuation centres for affected residents.

TRAGIC LOSS AND RESCUES

In England, a man in his 60s tragically lost his life after a tree fell on his car during Storm Bert. Meanwhile, in Trefriw, north Wales, a man remains missing after going running with his dog as floodwaters rose. Emergency services have located the dog but continue to search for the man.

WEATHER WARNINGS AND ADVICE

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain, covering areas including Cardiff, Swansea, and Powys. Earlier warnings for strong winds have been lifted. Natural Resources Wales reports nearly 50 flood warnings and 60 flood alerts across the country.

Residents are urged to prepare by following flood preparedness advice, which includes having sandbags ready and signing up for weather updates. Affected train services have been replaced with buses, and delays are expected to continue.

CALLS FOR ACTION

Plaid Cymru MS Heledd Fychan has called for more action to prevent recurring flooding, pointing to lessons unlearned from the devastating floods of 2020 during Storms Ciara and Dennis. She pledged ongoing support for affected communities and promised to campaign for better flood defences in the Senedd.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Gwent Police, alongside emergency services and local councils, have warned against unnecessary travel and advised against driving through floodwaters. Residents are reminded to report floods to their local councils and to dial 999 in emergencies.

A Welsh Government Spokesperson said: “It has been an exceptionally difficult and disruptive weekend across many parts of Wales which have been impacted by Storm Bert. All our thoughts are with those who have suffered flooding to their homes and businesses. The trauma and upset this causes should never be underestimated.

“Our emergency services and local authorities have worked tirelessly to support those affected, working in extremely difficult circumstances, and we thank them all for their ongoing efforts.

“The Deputy First Minister has been visiting some of the worst affected areas and speaking to local people and first responders, Emergency services, local authorities and Natural Resources Wales.

“Given the scale of the impact, it will be vital that people continue to take extra care over the coming days and follow official advice. As the focus moves to recovery, it is important that those affected receive ongoing support and we will play our part alongside our partners in delivering that.

“Despite the significant impacts, it appears that flood defences played a role in protecting many homes and businesses, and we will continue our investment programme to make communities even more resilient to severe weather events in future.”

 

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Crash on Freeman’s Way causes school-run chaos across Haverfordwest

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Major delays leave pupils stranded, buses running late and traffic backed up across the town after morning collision

ONE person was taken to hospital after a two-vehicle crash caused widespread disruption in Haverfordwest during the morning school run.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the collision on the A4076 Freeman’s Way at around 7:10am on Thursday (June 18).

The road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident, leading to long tailbacks on routes into town.

Many children were late for school, with some school buses arriving after 10:00am. Some pupils being dropped off at Haverfordwest Bus Station for the St Davids school bus are also understood to have missed their connection.

Police said one person was taken to hospital to be checked over following the collision.

The road reopened shortly before 10:30am.

 

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Motorcyclist, 22, dies in A4075 crash

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A 22-year-old woman remains in hospital after two-vehicle collision

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a serious two-vehicle crash on the A4075 between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision happened at around 6:20pm on Wednesday (June 17) and involved a grey Kia Sorento and a white Yamaha motorcycle.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 22-year-old man, died at the scene.

A 22-year-old woman who was travelling as a pillion passenger was taken to hospital, where she remains.

Police said the rider’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The driver of the Kia Sorento, a 60-year-old man, was not injured.

Road remains closed

The A4075 remained closed while collision investigators examined the scene, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Investigating officers are appealing for witnesses and would like to speak to anyone who was travelling along the A4075 at the relevant time.

They are also asking motorists with dashcam footage from the area to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Please quote reference 362 of June 17.

 

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More than 240 organisations back call for fairer Wales

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Senedd statement urges action on rising costs, climate change, nature loss and insecure livelihoods

MORE than 240 organisations from across Wales have backed a Senedd call for urgent action to build a fairer, greener and more resilient nation.

The Statement of Opinion, tabled by Niamh Salkeld MS, supports the Cymru Together campaign and calls on the Welsh Government to respond to the linked crises of rising living costs, insecure livelihoods, climate change and nature loss.

Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, more than 240 organisations signed an open letter under the Cymru Together banner, urging political parties to work together on Wales’ most pressing challenges.

The statement calls on ministers to invest in warmer homes and cheaper renewable energy, ensure renewable energy creates community wealth and supports workers, and restore nature by supporting farmers to produce food sustainably while making polluters pay.

It also says climate action in Wales can support communities around the world already facing the worst effects of climate change, while delivering practical improvements to everyday life at home.

Niamh Salkeld MS said: “For communities like mine in Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, this is about fairness.

“We know that if we get this right, we can tackle the cost-of-living crisis, strengthen our communities and create a more secure future.

“We also know the cost of doing nothing is higher energy bills, more extreme weather and fewer opportunities for future generations.”

Bethan Sayed, Head of Politics at Climate Cymru, said Wales was at a “pivotal moment”.

She said: “Climate action is not a burden on Wales: it is an opportunity to build warmer homes, create good jobs, restore our natural environment, and deliver a fairer future for everyone who calls Wales home.”

Stan Townsend, Head of Policy at Climate Cymru, said the proposals were “practical priorities” that could make a real difference.

He said: “Investing in home efficiency cuts energy bills for households, community ownership of renewable energy gives us the chance to keep more wealth in our communities, and supporting farmers to farm sustainably protects the land and the livelihoods that depend on it.”

Cerith Griffiths, a former firefighter and FBU trade union official, said the campaign connected climate action with lower energy bills, good jobs and healthier communities.

Global Climate Justice Cymru said the statement recognised that “what Wales does matters beyond our borders”, while Race Council Cymru said the campaign showed how climate action could help reduce living costs and create new opportunities.

Cymru Together describes itself as a growing movement of more than 240 organisations calling for a fairer and healthier Wales.

 

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