A Welsh council has launched a relief effort in the aftermath of Storm Bert by introducing a Community Flood Recovery Grant. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is offering grants of £1,000 each to residents and local businesses severely affected by the recent flooding. The grants aim to help cover repair costs for those internally flooded by the storm, which caused significant damage across the county, particularly in places like Pontypridd, where around 200 homes were flooded.
Details about eligibility criteria and application processes for the grants will be made available on Tuesday, with online applications being the preferred method. Andrew Morgan OBE, the council’s leader, expressed understanding of the challenges faced by the community following Storm Bert. He stressed the importance of providing immediate financial assistance through the grants to support households and small to medium-sized businesses in their recovery efforts.
In response to the storm’s impact, council teams have been actively assessing the damage and offering on-the-ground support to affected areas. Efforts include providing skips for residents to dispose of damaged property and ensuring resources are in place to aid in the community’s recovery and reconstruction process. Eligible residents and businesses are encouraged to apply for the grant support as part of the council’s commitment to facilitating a swift recovery.
The council spokesperson highlighted the substantial rainfall experienced over a short period, resulting in flooding across Rhondda Cynon Taf. With reports of hundreds of properties impacted, efforts are underway to confirm the extent of internal flooding and provide necessary support to residents. Community resilience teams have been engaging with residents to understand their immediate needs and are preparing to announce additional support measures, including financial assistance.
Infrastructure inspections are ongoing to assess the impact of flooding on highways and key facilities, with emergency works already initiated in heavily affected areas. The council’s proactive measures before Storm Bert, including drain maintenance and monitoring upgrades, aimed to mitigate risks. Despite investments in improving drainage systems, river flooding contributed significantly to the storm’s impact, necessitating swift actions to address immediate safety concerns and road closures.
Storm Bert also caused a landslide in some areas, leading to road closures and damage to essential structures like the Pipe Feeder Footbridge at Abercynon. The council is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with other authorities to assess and address the aftermath of the storm. Residents are advised to stay alert for potential disruptions as emergency works continue, particularly in areas affected by landslides or structural damage.
The impact of Storm Bert extends beyond physical damages, affecting local landmarks like Ynysangaharad War Memorial Park and Lido Ponty, both currently undergoing assessments and repair works. Acknowledging the challenges faced by residents and businesses in the wake of the storm, the council’s swift response and assistance schemes aim to foster resilience and expedite recovery efforts across the community.Residents’ cooperation and proactive engagement with support initiatives are crucial in navigating the post-storm recovery phase, ensuring a united effort towards rebuilding stronger and more resilient communities.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of local authorities, residents, and businesses in addressing the aftermath of Storm Bert underscore the spirit of community resilience and solidarity in times of crisis. The grants offered by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council serve as a vital lifeline for those impacted by the storm, providing financial support to aid in repairing and rebuilding efforts. As recovery and restoration operations continue, the council remains committed to supporting affected individuals and businesses, fostering a sense of hope and unity amidst the challenges posed by the natural disaster.