A rugby club in Wales is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Bert, just a few years after suffering severe damage from flooding in 2020. Newport High School Old Boys RFC has once again found its facilities submerged, leaving players and staff disheartened by the repeated setbacks.
Eleri Jackson, a member of the ladies' team, expressed her frustration over the club’s misfortunes. She noted the disappointment etched on the faces of fellow coaches and players as they surveyed the extent of the damage.
The club faces significant repair costs, which will require community support to address. Jackson highlighted that essential equipment such as fridges and electrical systems has been ruined, alongside furniture.
In just 24 hours, nearly £2,500 has been raised to aid the recovery efforts. However, club chairman Neil Short explained that while they have some building insurance, it does not cover the current damages due to specific exclusions in their policy.
Short acknowledged the challenges ahead:
“With Christmas approaching, fundraising could be difficult as many may not have extra funds available.”
Despite having volunteer support and sponsorships, Short worries that recurring extreme weather events will strain their resources further.
The impact of Storm Bert extends beyond sports clubs; local businesses are also feeling the effects. David Kyle, who runs a marketing firm in Nantgarw, arrived at his office to find water levels above his ankles after the river Taff overflowed its banks.
Kyle and his landlord have opted not to file an insurance claim this time due to concerns over rising premiums following previous flood incidents.
“We’ve dealt with this before and repairing damage like plug sockets and replacing carpets is becoming a recurrent issue,” Kyle stated.
His neighboring businesses have also suffered significant losses, underscoring a broader economic challenge in the area.
Louise Clark from the Association of British Insurers emphasized that while insurance companies can provide support, government intervention is crucial for long-term solutions. She highlighted that investing in flood defenses yields substantial savings down the line.
First Minister Eluned Morgan confirmed that millions have been allocated for flood protection since Storm Dennis but cautioned that climate change poses challenges for safeguarding every home and business in Wales.
As communities rally together following Storm Bert’s devastation, it becomes evident that sustained efforts are necessary to mitigate future flooding risks and support those impacted by these relentless weather events.
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