On Saturday morning Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney’s MP and AM, Gerald Jones and Dawn Bowden, met with a group of local Labour councillors to begin their initial assessment of recent storm and flood events across the constituency.
The impacts have been serious for several local communities, and it is apparent that there has been a significant impact on infrastructure across the area (roads, bridges, gullies, drains and more).
Gerald and Dawn thanked both local authorities for the initial reports provided on the areas most affected, and also noted that other pockets of localised flooding occurred in the constituency. They also both visited a number of the areas affected by the storm events and will continue to do so with councillors, and upon any request received via their constituency offices.
Gerald and Dawn have also produced a document with advice and guidance for anyone in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney affected by flooding or storms, which can be read and downloaded >> HERE <<.
In a statement, Gerald and Dawn said:
“We both wanted to place on record our sincere thanks to the wide range of front line workers, emergency workers, volunteers, businesses and so many other people across our community who offered help during the storm and flood events.
“Thanks to those also coordinating the response. Everyone’s efforts are greatly appreciated, as they still are given the recovery process has some way to go.
“We can write to organisations offering thanks to their staff , but to the many others who we will not always know about, please be aware that your kindness and response to the crisis is appreciated.”
Understanding the different factors
“The initial view we have reached with our Labour councillors is that a number of factors came together at the height of the severe storm, and we need to better understand the role each of these factors played.
“Yes, the rivers were high, at record levels for recent decades, but some of the local damage did not come from the river flooding but gulleys and drains etc with consequent overflows of water.
“There are also the issues around local land slips that must be better understood as part of the review and assessment.
“We will also be making direct contact with constituents to invite their view on these matters.”
Structural assessments
“Parts of the constituency have clearly suffered significant physical damage with roads closed/partial closures and large volumes of waste debris requiring removal.
“Bridges and other structures need assessment and we await updates from local authority partners and others.”
Recovery
“The recovery will take some time. It may involve some significant engineering work and associated disruption, depending on the extent of the final damage.
“The local councils and Welsh Government have made some emergency funding available to be paid to help both insured and uninsured householders.
“While businesses do not seem as badly affected here as in say, Pontypridd, we well know that the final details of the full impacts are yet to be known.
“We invite local businesses to make contact with us about any specific concerns as we know that each and every business needs the same consideration.”
Follow advice
“The weather forecast suggests that the winter storms are not yet fully passed so remember the advice to follow advice, and keep safe if a serious incident occurs. With weakened and broken infrastructure then caution is required.”
Advice
“We have pulled much of the recent advice together in to one document – it contains website details, phone numbers etc should you be affected by storm incidents.”
Contact
“Do not hesitate to get in touch via our offices if you feel we can help.”