Major rescue as floods hit west Wales

A major rescue operation has been mountedin South Wales after fierce storms nad 60mph gales caused the worst floodsin decades.

More than one month’s worth of rain fell in a single day, and at least 150 people trapped by rising waters had to be taken to safety. The prime minister has paid tribute to thoseinvolved in the rescue.

The worst flooding has taken place near the seaside town of Aberystwyth. Villages in Ceredigion were cut off, with houses and four caravan sites being flooded when the River Lery over-topped its banks in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A lifeboat crew helping with the evacuation at the Riverside Caravan Park at Llandre had themselves to be airlifted to safety when the force of the water swept their boat into one of the buildings.

Chief Inspector Robin Mason of Dyfed Powys Police said he was “aware of about 30 to 40 people evacuated from various places”, and there were “probably more”.

Fire service rescue boats and vehicles joined inshore lifeboats to help stranded people escape from the caravan park.

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said emergency services were called at around 3am and there was “a large amount of water and a heavy current running through the caravan park”.

Nearby Mill House Caravan Park, at Dol-y-Bont, was also flooded, and around a dozen people needed rescuing.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Milford Haven Coastguard was contacted by Dyfed Powys police at 4.30am requesting assistance at a caravan park at the side of the River Lery, near Borth.

Photo gallery: flooding in Aberystwyth