Operation mop-up was underway in parts of Cardigan yesterday (Tuesday) as residents counted the cost of the previous night's devastating flash floods, which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Five fire appliances and council workmen tried to hold back the rising water, as drains were unable to cope with torrential rain compounded by one of the highest tides of the year.

The worst hit areas were St Mary Street, Gloster Row, Pwllhai, Morgan Street, Castle Street and Feidrfair where several homes were knee deep in swirling floodwater.

Sandbags were rushed to the scene, but by then a large number of properties were under two or three feet of water.

Disabled Mervyn Rees of 3 Gloster Row said: "I was watching television at around 9.15pm when suddenly I was ankle deep in water."

Some residents were put up at a local hotel, and yesterday as soiled carpets were heaped outside homes, council officers, workmen and social services gave assistance to householders.

The cellar and ground floor at the Angel Hotel in St Mary Street was flooded and at the Canolfan Teifi complex in Pendre water caused part of the ground floor ceiling to collapse.

Firefighters from Cardigan were aided by colleagues from Newcastle Emlyn, Crymych, Llandysul and Fishguard.

Local county councillor John Adams-Lewis said: "It was the worst incident I have seen here. It all happened so quickly and there was nothing anyone could do about it."