A major incident has been declared in the historic town of Monmouth, Wales, after Storm Claudia unleashed devastating flooding across the region, submerging streets and properties under rising waters.
Emergency Response Activated
Emergency services have been working throughout the day after the River Wye burst its banks, transforming Monmouth's streets into fast-flowing waterways. The major incident declaration enables coordinated emergency response from multiple agencies including fire and rescue services, police, and local authorities.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to move to higher floors of their properties and prepare for potential evacuation. The speed at which the waters rose caught many by surprise, with some residents requiring assistance from emergency teams to reach safety.
Storm Claudia's Impact
Storm Claudia brought torrential rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems and caused the River Wye to reach dangerous levels. The flooding has made several key roads impassable, cutting off access to parts of the town and disrupting essential services.
Local businesses and historic properties in the town centre have been particularly affected, with water inundating ground floors and causing significant damage to stock and infrastructure. The timing could not be worse for many establishments still recovering from previous economic challenges.
Ongoing Situation and Safety Advice
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as more rainfall is forecast in the coming hours. The Environment Agency has issued multiple severe flood warnings for the area, indicating danger to life.
Residents are being urged to:
- Avoid walking or driving through flood water
- Follow evacuation advice if given
- Check on vulnerable neighbours
- Keep updated with official warnings
Emergency rest centres have been established for those forced to leave their homes, with volunteers and council staff providing essential support and supplies to affected residents.
