CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council has set up a £300,000 emergency fund to help alleviate the hardship caused by the devastating weekend floods.

"Our crews were out day and night over a 48-hour period answering emergency calls," said council leader Emlyn Dole.

"But the huge scale of Storm Callum made it impossible to contain the flooding in many parts of the county. Now that the floodwater has receded, councillors and officers have been visiting properties to advise residents of the financial and practical help that is available.

"A £100,000 fund has been set up to assist owners of domestic properties, with priority being given to displaced or uninsured families and individuals. Another £200,000 is available to help commercial businesses. We're also lobbying Welsh Government for extra funding."

The council has also started a service to take away ruined carpets, furniture and other waste, with cages and skips being dispatched to the worst-hit areas.

Helen Mary Jones AM said: “"On Tuesday I spoke in the Senedd chamber to extend my sympathies to all those affected by Storm Callum, particularly to the family and friends of Corey Sharpling, from Newcastle Emlyn who tragically lost his life.

"I would like to pay tribute to workers in the emergency services and to local council staff across mid and west Wales who worked so hard over the weekend to assist those affected.

“I have had positive feedback about the emergency helplines created by Ceredigion and Carmarthen councils. The efforts that communities themselves and volunteers from the third sector to help the clear up after this devastating storm has to be commended.

"The funding announced by Carmarthenshire County Council is an example of an agile administration working promptly to assist those in need."