Dozens of homes in Abertillery, Wales, were evacuated following a suspected landslip triggered by Storm Bert. Residents were forced to leave their homes in the darkness as an apparent landslide from a disused coal tip threatened to submerge their properties. The residents of the Cwmtillery area sought refuge at the Abertillery leisure centre or with family and friends after the slip occurred on Sunday night.
The streets were emptied as emergency services responded to the landslip, with photos and videos showing buildings and cars surrounded by sludge and earth, and streams of water flowing around the properties. The Blaenau Gwent Council confirmed they were evaluating the situation while assisting in the evacuation of residents. Storm Bert had caused widespread flooding in south Wales over the weekend, affecting hundreds of homes in areas like Pontypridd, the Rhondda Valleys, Ebbw Vale, and Blackwood.
In RCT, over 100 properties and businesses suffered flood damage, roads were closed, and residents were advised to boil their water. Throughout south Wales, multiple roads were submerged underwater, leading to closures and disruptions. Tragically, a body was discovered during the search for a missing dog walker in Conwy amidst the chaos caused by the storm. The landslip in Abertillery was believed to have originated from a disused coal tip, raising fears of a potential second slip in the area.
Residents recounted their harrowing experiences, with one evacuee expressing their terror at the situation and concerns about their homes being engulfed by floodwater and debris. Sarah Ware, who was among those evacuated, described the impact on Woodland Terrace, Upper Gwastod, and lower Gwasted street, where sheds collapsed and gardens filled with debris. Evacuees were quickly ushered to safety at the Abertillery leisure centre or nearby residences, with the constant fear of another landslide looming over them.
Amid the chaos, residents navigated their escape using torches and relied on emergency services for guidance and support. The lack of adequate street lighting exacerbated the situation, plunging the affected area into darkness as the sound of rushing water and debris filled the air. The community anxiously awaited updates, ready to flee at the sound of an impending siren warning of another potential landslide. The Blaenau Gwent Council established a rest center at the Abertillery Sport Centre to accommodate those displaced by the evacuation.
Officials from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were on site, providing assistance, but details about the ongoing rescue efforts were scarce. The aftermath of Storm Bert left a trail of destruction across south Wales, prompting a concerted response from emergency services and local authorities. The resilience and unity displayed by the affected communities shone through as they grappled with the immediate aftermath of the landslip and flooding.