A WELSH Government minister visited Llandysul yesterday (Tuesday, October 16) to see for herself the extent of the damage caused by flooding in the area and said the government would consider requests for emergency financial aid from local authorities.

Hannah Blythyn, Minister for Environment, said: “I would like to send my sympathies to all those who have been flooded over this weekend and in particular to the family of Corey Sharpling who lost his life as a result of a landslide.

“I would like to place on record, this Government’s gratitude to the emergency services, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water who worked tirelessly around the clock this weekend to support those who have been flooded, close roads, evacuate properties and are now working with communities to support their recovery.

“I recognise how devastating and distressing flooding can be to those communities affected. I saw first-hand some of the impacts when I visited Llandysul, where I met with residents and the teams who responded over the weekend and who continue to work on the recovery.”

Storm Callum brought large amounts of rainfall to Wales with up to 160mm being recorded in a 24-hour period, more than the monthly average for this time of the year. During the peak period, NRW issued 40 flood warnings.

This had a massive impact on our rivers with some recording their highest levels on record and in many places, drainage systems were overwhelmed. Unfortunately, this has led to flooding of properties, roads, railways and agricultural land around the country.”

Welsh Government estimates that 218 properties across Wales suffered flooding, of which 195 were homes.

Local Authorities and NRW are continuing to pull together information about flooded properties and over the coming few days this figure is likely to change. In addition, Dwr Cymru have also reported at least 29 properties flooded internally.

Power utilities reported that more than 38,000 customers were affected by the severe weather. However, all customers were restored within 24 hours.

“We now need to understand the full extent of impacts associated with Storm Callum to inform discussions with Local Authorities and see what we can do to support those communities affected,” added the minister

“Following a major flood event, Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to investigate its cause and impacts and provide recommendations going forward. This may include input from NRW and Welsh Water where required, as well as what lessons can be learnt for the future.

“I know some Local Authorities are considering a hardship scheme and are already discussing with finance officials whether Welsh Government can assist with emergency financial assistance. This Government would like to give that our full consideration.”

Plaid Cymru Assembly Members and Members of Parliament in west Wales are asking both Welsh and UK Governments to provide funding for local councils to undertake urgent assessments and repair works for public infrastructure, as well as providing support to individuals affected by the flooding.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake and Carmarthenshire and East Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards will be urging Westminster government ministers to take advantage of the financial support available via the EU's Solidarity Fund.

In the National Assembly, Assembly Members Adam Price, Helen Mary Jones and Elin Jones will be seeking assurances that the Welsh Government will be assisting local authorities via the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme.

In a joint statement, Plaid Cymru AMs and MPs said: "In the first instance we wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Corey Sharpling from Newcastle Emlyn who tragically lost his life as a result of the weather.

“We also express our gratitude and appreciation to the public sector workers – local authority staff and our emergency services – who have worked around the clock to protect communities as much as possible, look after vulnerable people, and continue to deal with the aftermath today.

"As local representatives we wish to assure our constituents that we are here to help in any way we can. We recommend residents contact their local authority in the first instance which has dedicated teams on standby to offer advice and support.

"In the meantime we will be seeking both UK and Welsh Government support to help deal with the consequences of this weekend's flooding.

"There needs to be an urgent commitment to provide funding to assess the safety of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges, as well as funding to undertake any necessary repairs.

“Our farming community requires support for the loss of equipment and livestock, and scores of individuals need direct support to deal with the damage to their properties and possessions.

"Our doors are open to any resident who requires our assistance during this extremely difficult period."