In the small community of Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, residents faced a harrowing night as a landslip, triggered by torrential rains during Storm Bert, wreaked havoc on their neighborhood. Streets turned into rivers of mud and debris, carrying trees and boulders that destroyed property and forced evacuations.
Diane Morgan, a local resident, described the chaos as water surged down her street. She reported that one tree crashed onto a garage, completely destroying it, while another tree fell onto a car as slurry piled up around her home.
Morgan expressed frustration over the emergency response, stating that she had informed authorities about the situation but received inadequate assistance. She noted that it took several hours for help to arrive after she called emergency services.
Despite being ordered to evacuate, Morgan found it difficult to leave due to her daughter’s visual impairment. She emphasized the need for better communication regarding the risks posed by nearby coal tips, which are classified as having high potential impacts on safety.
Authorities confirmed that the landslip originated from an unstable coal tip categorized as Category D, indicating a high risk to public safety. This prompted Blaenau Gwent Council to take immediate action in assessing and addressing the aftermath of the incident.
As residents sought shelter at a local leisure center, many faced challenges in securing accommodations. Wayne Green shared his experience of being evacuated with his family and remarked on the long wait for housing arrangements. His family is now staying in a hotel while assessing their situation.
The council has pledged to closely monitor coal tips, with First Minister Eluned Morgan assuring residents of ongoing investments aimed at preventing future landslides.
The Welsh government reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety for communities living near these coal tips through regular inspections and proactive measures.
Meanwhile, locals like Rob Scholes recounted their fears during the landslide, stating that he had to escape through a window as debris fell around him. Others expressed concern over potential further disruptions as loose boulders remain precarious at the site.
Leaders from Blaenau Gwent Council are working diligently with contractors to restore safety in Cwmtillery while providing necessary support to displaced residents. Steve Thomas, council leader, emphasized that public safety remains paramount amidst these challenging circumstances.
As Storm Bert continues to impact various regions across Wales—with over 100 flood warnings issued—community resilience will be key in navigating this crisis. The council’s commitment to keeping residents informed and supported will play an essential role in helping Cwmtillery recover from this devastating event.
Landslip Forces Evacuations in Cwmtillery A sudden landslip in Cwmtillery, a former mining community in Blaenau Gwent, has prompted authorities to evacuate residents as safety concerns mount.
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