Rhun ap Iorwerth has promised a swift investigation after flooding forced people to flee their homes in Gwaelod-y-Garth, on the outskirts of Cardiff, on Saturday. He said “we have your back” as 15 properties were affected and 13 homes were evacuated.
There have been reports of water up to 5ft (1.5m) deep sweeping through some homes. Cardiff council said roads have also closed because of debris and mud deposited by the flood water.
The Breedon Group, which owns Taff's Well quarry, said it would support the authorities and carry out its own investigation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it would work with South Wales Police to investigate.
The first minister said he hoped the investigation would be “in-depth” and “give us the answers” to understand what had happened. He said it was vital to make sure lessons are learned and that it “can't happen again”.
“This is a very different flooding experience to what we usually see.
“But the devastation in people's homes is just as bad as in any serious flooding incident.”
He also said there was “no obvious down-stream environmental impacts so far”, but stressed that the investigation must be completed before any speculation.
What happened in Gwaelod-y-Garth?
Residents on Heol Berry, where the flooding took place, will be offered assistance with temporary housing. Residents said they heard a loud blast from the direction of Taff's Well, Rhondda Cynon Taff, at about 12:30 BST on Thursday.
They said “huge amounts of water” then started rushing down the hillside, with reports of water 5ft (1.5m) deep flooding some homes.
Main Road in Gwaelod-y-Garth and Heol Goch between Gwaelod-y-Garth and Pentyrch had to be closed for clean-up operations. Cardiff council said highways and cleaning staff have been working on-site to clear the roads and remove debris.
The council said significant damage had been caused to roads, with mud, silt, debris and other obstructions left behind. Overnight accommodation was arranged for one family on Thursday, with support also provided to a second family on Friday.
How are residents and authorities responding?
Residents have been helping with the clean-up along with council staff and emergency workers. Cardiff council said the response has focused on making homes and roads safe while support is arranged for those affected.
The first minister visited the flood-hit village on Saturday morning, after families had already been dealing with the aftermath of the incident since Thursday afternoon. The Breedon Group said it would continue to support the authorities while its own investigation is carried out.
Cardiff council added that roads remain affected by mud, silt, debris and other obstructions, and that work is continuing to remove the material left by the flood water.
Key Facts
- Rhun ap Iorwerth visited Gwaelod-y-Garth on Saturday after the flooding on Thursday.
- 15 properties were affected and 13 homes were evacuated.
- Reports said water reached up to 5ft (1.5m) deep in some homes.
- The HSE will work with South Wales Police to investigate.
- Cardiff council said roads were closed and clean-up work was under way.
