Carmarthenshire County Council: Flooding recovery update

Carmarthenshire County Council continues to support residents and businesses as they move into the recovery phase following significant flooding across the county.

A significant amount of rainfall over a short period of time contributed to a number of flood warnings issued by Natural Resources Wales which caused surface water and river flooding throughout the County.

Delta Wellbeing received 128 out-of-hours calls on the 4/5th November and the Council’s Contact Centre answered 630 calls during office hours on 5 November.

Housing and social care teams worked to support residents, ensuring that temporary accommodation and welfare checks are in place. Specifically, over 40 residents in the Whitland area were supported following the evacuation of St Davids Avenue, with alternative accommodation provided to 20 individuals. Delta Wellbeing’s Response Team also assisted at the rest centre until handover to Social Care staff in the morning.

During the response, Highways crews received over 400 incident reports, with 14 crews working overnight on Tuesday, supported by three additional pumps which were deployed to manage rising water levels.

Dealing with 175 flooding incidents, crews were tasked with flooding on highways, clearing debris, collapsed culverts, road closures for public safety and carriageway repairs.

Currently, the Council is supporting 189 households that have reported being affected by flooding, along with 32 businesses.

The County Council is offering both practical and financial support to homes and businesses that have been affected. A hardship emergency fund has been set up for residents and eligible business affected by internal flooding. However, your insurance company should be the first point of contact, and they should guide you on their support and requirements.

Households that have been internally flooded can apply for a £500 payment. A further £1000 can be made available to for those householders without insurance.

Assistance in removing damaged goods and furniture from flooded households can be made via the Council’s website, however, please contact your insurance company in the first instance for information and guidance before submitting your request. 

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Darren Price said:

“There is no doubt that the impact of this flooding has been significant for many, and I’m grateful to local communities throughout Carmarthenshire for coming together and showing such resilience.

“The Council continues to support those in need, with practical support and financial assistance available.”

Flooding advice from Public Health Wales

If you have been affected by flooding:

• Follow the advice from the emergency services
• Avoid contact with flood water. Do not walk, drive or allow children or pets to play in floodwaters.
• If you have to go into the water, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots and remember to be careful of hidden dangers.
• Keep any open cuts or sores clean and dry. Wear waterproof plasters and bandages can help.
• Wash your hands especially after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food - this is the most important way to get rid of harmful bugs.
• If you do not have clean water, use hand sanitiser gel or wet wipes.
• If you become ill after accidentally swallowing floodwater or mud, particularly if you develop diarrhoea, a fever or stomach pains within 10 days of being in contact with floodwater or sewage - contact NHS Direct 111 or your doctor.
• Do not switch on electrical appliances that have been in contact with floodwater until a qualified electrician has checked them as there is a risk of electrocution.
• Have your heating and cooking appliances serviced by a Gas Safe engineer, even if they seem to be working normally. There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not working properly

More information on dealing with flooding including advice on how to safely clear up