Monmouthshire has been affected by flooding due to severe rainfall on Saturday which saw three rivers - the Wye, Monnow and Usk filled up quickly causing high river levels which were combined with surface water flooding.

Monmouthshire County Council staff worked closely with Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Natural Resources Wales to help people.

 Some residents were evacuated from Skenfrith as they had experienced loss of power and were at risk of flooding.

Local pub, the Bell Inn in Skenfrith welcomed people so they could wait safely together to be transported to a rest centre that Monmouthshire County Council set up.

 Monmouthshire’s emergency response teams were out providing sand bags, unblocking drains and culverts and closing any roads which were deemed too dangerous for people to drive through. Calls were received and responded to from people in various locations including Raglan, Abergavenny and Monmouth.

 Residents were advised to avoid driving through closed roads and to avoid walking in flooded areas to look at the impacts.

 Council Leader Peter Fox said: “I would like to send my thoughts to residents and businesses that have been impacted by the flooding that the county has experienced. Nobody ever wants to be forced from their home but in these circumstances I’m glad we are able to help.

I send my thanks to everyone who has worked around the clock to help people affected.        

 We are currently looking at an improving picture, river levels are dropping and the immediate danger has passed.  Natural Resources Wales will continue to monitor the situation as high tides are forecast between today and Tuesday.

 

“Stay safe and please don’t attempt to drive through closed roads,” said an MCC spokesman.