The death toll from Storm Bert, which hit the British Isles over the weekend, has risen to five. Serious damage was reported in south Wales, where entire towns were under water. On Monday, flood warnings were still in force in the country, and many railway connections were suspended.
As the British daily “The Guardian” reported on Monday morning, the number of victims storm Bert increased to at least five. Fatal accidents occurred in England and Wales, where the heaviest downpours and flooding occurred over the weekend. Flood alerts were still in force in many areas on Monday – in Northamptonshire it was the highest level alert, meaning an immediate threat to life.
“Don't try to travel today”
Downpours, strong gusts of wind and flooding caused serious traffic problems. In Northamptonshire and Bristol, major roads had to be closed due to fast-flowing floodwaters. The operator of the Great Western Railway, serving southwest England and Wales, has suspended all key services. Delays also occurred on lines connecting London with Gatwick and Stansted airports.
– Do not attempt to travel on any route today – warned Great Western Railway representatives on social media.
Several hundred houses damaged
Residents of South Wales struggled with downpours on Sunday. A state of emergency was declared in Rhondda Cynon Taf after the River Taff burst its banks, flooding the town of Pontypridd. On Monday, residents and firefighters were still cleaning up the effects of the flood. The city authorities confirmed that approximately 200-300 residential and commercial buildings were damaged.
According to the Met Office, Bert will leave the UK within the next 24 hours, but high water levels in rivers will still be dangerous. On Monday, severe wind warnings were in force only in Scotland.
Reuters, CNN, The Guardian
Main photo source: Reuters