People bail out flooded homes in Pontypridd with bins in 'utterly heart-breaking' scenes

by · Wales Online

Devastated homeowners are bailing out flooded properties with buckets and bins after the River Taff burst its banks in Pontypridd this morning. People across south Wales have been hit hard by torrential Storm Bert rainfall overnight. See the latest updates here.

Among those hardest hit have been residents of Sion Street and Berw Road either side of the Taff as it runs through Pontypridd. Emergency services have been on the scene this morning to rescue people stranded in their homes by the river water.

The view above some houses flooded in Pontypridd(Image: John Myers)
PONTYPRIDD, WALES - NOVEMBER 24: A general view of the scene as people pour water out of the front garden of properties on Sion Street on November 24, 2024 in Pontypridd, Wales. The UK Met Office issued warnings for heavy rain and snow, along with strong winds, as Storm Bert was forecast to sweep across the UK this weekend. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, there have been bad flooding in other parts of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is aware of the situation and is urging people to get in touch if they need support. A spokesperson for the council told WalesOnline: "There are a number of flood incidents, including river flooding, that our teams and partners are responding to. If residents need help or support they can contact us on 01443 425011 / 425001 – our lines are busy but there are teams working to take calls.

For anyone impacted by flooding, rest centres are set up in Ystrad Sports Centre, Rhondda, Pontypridd Library at Llys Cadwy and Sobell Leisure Centre, Aberdare.

"If residents don’t want to leave their property, or it is unsafe to do so the advice is to move to a higher level in the property. If residents are waiting on homecare calls, they should either contact their provider or call the Council on 01443 743665." Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.

Bottles of water brought by people to help out(Image: Mark Lewis)
People have flocked out to help support residents who's homes have been flooded(Image: John Myers)
Cars seen submerged on Sion Street, Ponytpridd(Image: Mark Lewis)

In Pontypridd, at least 158 properties in the area were flooded during 2020 as Storm Dennis hit – including 80 homes and 78 non-residential properties. The report for Pontypridd said that significant flooding to the highway also occurred and that investigations found that the primary source of flooding was the overflowing of the River Taff following persistent and heavy rainfall.

And now, people are dealing with another case of flooding as the area, as residents have been flocking out to help, with people handing out water to drink as well as support residents to protect their homes. Locals have also been sharing their disbelief at the conditions online. One person wrote: “Absolutely devastating pictures coming through from Pontypridd this morning. Many residents and businesses still recovering from Storm Dennis in 2020.

"Utterly heart-breaking, and absolutely essential authorities do everything they can to help people effected.”

Another added: “Another horrific bout of flooding in Pontypridd again. Parc Ynysangharad under water again, Sion St, lower-lying buildings on Taff St like Clwb y Bont. Bridges, including the newly rebuilt one in Trefforest."

The water is moving at a fast pace in the river at Pontypridd today(Image: Mark Lewis)
Residents have been arriving to help people protect their homes from the conditions(Image: Mark Lewis)

A third person wrote: "Terrible to see Pontypridd badly hit by flooding again, nearly five years on from Storm Dennis. Homes and businesses damaged by floodwater. People cut off by road closures. With more rain to come, before Storm Bert eventually clears eastwards later." More times in the last three years than the prior 15 that I recall.”

Drone footage has also shown what it looks like in the car park on Tonteg Street, where flooding also appears to be significant.

Treforest estate near Ponty Honda and Nissan garages trying to rescue cars from flooding(Image: John Myers)
One of the car parks completely covered in water(Image: John Myers)
The view from the bridge in Pontypridd overlooking Sion street, which has been badly hit by flooding(Image: Mark Lewis)

The Met Office says: "Another wet day with a band of heavy and persistent rain eastwards across the region. Very windy, especially along the south coast where coastal gales are possible. Some drier spells developing in the west by later afternoon. Very mild. Maximum temperature 15 °C.

"A damp evening with rain gradually clearing eastwards overnight. Clear spells to follow, however blustery showers readily developing and spreading into the west. Feeling much cooler. Minimum temperature 4 °C."

If you want to share what your area looks like this morning or how you have been affected, please feel free to get in touch: bethany.gavaghan@reachplc.com