The Welsh town of Monmouth is reeling from what locals describe as the worst flooding seen in decades, after Storm Claudia unleashed devastating waters that ravaged homes and businesses.
Community Spirit Shines Through Devastation
A ‘beautiful night’ turned into a ‘nightmare’ for residents as the River Monnow burst its banks, causing unprecedented damage not witnessed since the 1980s. In response, the Mayor of Monmouth, on behalf of the town council, swiftly set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for those affected.
The community's response was immediate and overwhelming. The initial target of £5,000 was smashed within hours, with the total soaring past £16,000. This incredible effort was boosted by an anonymous donation of £1,000.
The appeal states the town is a “resilient and caring community” and that the funds will help “as many residents affected as possible.”
A Significant Risk to Life
The situation escalated into a major incident, with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service declaring a ‘significant risk to life’. Fire crews worked tirelessly to help dozens of people to safety.
The River Monnow reached record levels, exceeding those recorded during both Storm Dennis in 2020 and the more recent Storm Bert in 2024.
MP for Monmouthshire, Catherine Fookes, called it a “really worrying time now for residents and businesses,” adding that existing flood defences would need to be reconsidered as the “big clear up” continued.
Heartbreak on the High Street
The human impact of the flooding is stark. The owners of the recently refurbished Bar 125 posted on social media about their ordeal, having been forced to raise their furniture and become stranded overnight. “Whose idea was it to buy a pub next to a river,” they posted, adding, “We’re all safe and it’s all things that can be replaced.”
Long-term residents expressed their shock. Anne Searle, born in Monmouth in 1948, wrote on Facebook: “I have never seen it as bad as this... Watching the video from 2am this morning was devastating.” Her brother was rescued from his upstairs bedroom.
On Sunday morning, the scale of the destruction became clear as residents and business owners began the grim task of salvaging belongings, piling up debris and clearing walkways with buckets. Photos from Monmouth New Businesses showed the town centre submerged, with water surrounding shop tills.
The group urged people to support the Mayor’s fundraiser, stating: “Monmouth is facing heartbreaking devastation right now... Let’s rally around our lovely high street.” Jess Jaynes highlighted the particular impact on small, independent shops just a month before Christmas, noting they would need significant help with running costs and future insurance increases.
