A fundraising appeal for victims of severe flooding in Monmouth has exceeded £100,000, just hours after the target was raised. The money will support residents and business owners left devastated after Storm Claudia caused widespread damage, with many discovering their insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Among those affected are Andrea and Martin Sholl, who had opened Bar125 only eight days before the flood. The couple, who had planned to retire, invested their pension lump sum into the business. Andrea described the scene as 'heartbreaking,' saying, 'Now I’m ripping off the wallpaper. The only word for it is devastation.'
The flooding, which saw water levels reach 6ft in the town centre, was declared a major incident. Dozens were rescued or evacuated after the River Monnow burst its banks. Andrea recounted the 'nightmare night,' when water began entering the bar around 12.30am, rising rapidly and forcing them to take refuge upstairs. She estimated losses of up to £50,000, including a new kitchen and equipment.
Many victims have been left financially wiped out after discovering their insurance policies exclude flood cover. Andrea said, 'I was on the phone to the insurance company who told me we were not covered for floods, it’s in the small print. But that small print should be the large print!' Politicians have called for an urgent review into the impact of Storm Claudia.
Despite the devastation, the community has rallied. Within minutes of a plea on Facebook, volunteers arrived with mops and brushes to help clean up. The JustGiving page, set up by the Mayor of Monmouth, has raised over £104,000 to support those affected.
