Janice R. Andrews
Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has called for better flood warning systems after Storm Bert caused significant damage to homes and businesses over the weekend. The request follows public dissatisfaction with the alerts issued by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Met Office.
Speaking in the Senedd, Morgan acknowledged the need for more effective warning systems and pledged to engage with NRW and the Met Office to address the concerns. “I accept that people need better warning, and that is something clearly that will need to be discussed,” she said.
Financial Aid for Those Affected
The Welsh government has also introduced financial aid for those impacted by the flooding. Uninsured households will receive £1,000, while those with insurance will be offered £500. This comes as many residents in areas like Pontypridd reported that flood warnings came too late, leaving them unprepared.
Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies criticized the delayed warnings, arguing that earlier alerts could have enabled more proactive measures. Similarly, Labour’s Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council, pointed out that many people only realized flooding had occurred when neighbors began knocking on doors to warn them.
NRW’s Response to Criticism
Natural Resources Wales, which is managed by the Welsh government, defended its actions, noting that 131 flood alerts and warnings were issued, including two severe warnings. Over 95,000 messages were sent, reaching 46,000 people. Despite these efforts, Morgan admitted that improvements could be made, indicating that a review of the warning system will take place.
A meeting with NRW, local councils, and the Welsh government is planned for next week to assess the response and discuss ways to enhance flood alerts in the future.
Concerns Over Coal Tip Safety
Alongside flooding issues, Morgan faced criticism regarding coal tip safety, following a landslip in Cwmtillery caused by heavy rainfall. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth questioned the £25 million allocated by the UK government for coal tip safety, citing estimates suggesting that it could cost £600 million over the next 10 to 15 years.
Morgan defended the current funding, emphasizing that the project would take years to complete due to the technical expertise and equipment required. She assured that the Welsh government would continue to push for additional funding from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressing confidence that further support would be forthcoming.
Enhancing Resilience
Reflecting on the Welsh government’s efforts to improve flood defenses since Storm Dennis in 2020, Morgan highlighted that fewer homes were impacted this time, despite higher river levels and more frequent rainfall. She credited ongoing flood defense investments but stressed that continued improvements are necessary to protect communities from increasingly severe weather events.
The discussions underscore the growing challenges Wales faces in managing the combined threats of flooding and coal tip instability. With public pressure mounting, both the Welsh and UK governments are under scrutiny to deliver effective and timely solutions.
