Storm Bert has left a trail of destruction across the UK, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread flooding.
At least five people have been killed since the storm began, with authorities declaring a major incident in South Wales.
The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds, and thawing snow, leading to severe flooding and power outages.
The storm’s impact was particularly felt in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where floodwaters inundated towns like Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale, and Aberdare.
The River Taff in Pontypridd surpassed its banks, flooding homes and forcing businesses to close.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to pump water from the streets, while residents resorted to using buckets to bail out their properties.
A body was found in the search for 75-year-old Brian Perry in North Wales, who had gone missing after falling into the River Conwy.
Additionally, multiple fatalities occurred due to storm-related accidents, including a man killed when a tree fell on his car and another who died in a crash caused by floodwaters.
The storm has also led to numerous other fatal incidents across England and Wales, highlighting the severe nature of the weather.
Thousands face power cuts and travel delays as Storm Bert causes widespread chaos.As much as 64.4mm of rain fell in North Wales within 12 hours on Saturday, and wind gusts of up to 82 mph were recorded in some areas. With over 200 flood alerts in effect across the UK, the aftermath of Storm Bert has left communities devastated.
Several severe flood warnings remain in place for parts of Monmouthshire in South Wales, and travel disruption continues, with road closures, flight cancellations, and train delays affecting thousands.
In response to the devastation, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her gratitude to emergency services and emphasized the difficulty of the situation.
Despite investments aimed at flood prevention since the last major storm, the scale of the destruction has been overwhelming. “It’s devastating, just before Christmas, for those people impacted,” Morgan stated.
As the storm moves out of the UK, conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with rising river levels and the potential for more flooding.
The recovery process will be long, but communities affected by the storm’s brutal impact are showing resilience in the face of these challenges.