Almost a week after Storm Goretti battered Cornwall with 99mph winds and heavy rain, residents in remote villages remain without power, water, or phone connections. Fallen trees still block roads, and many feel abandoned by authorities. Linda Williams, 86, of New Mill, has been without heating, lighting, or a working phone for five days, relying on neighbours for hot meals and water.
“I think it’s safe to say that we’re in a bit of a state,” said Williams, a retired council accounts assistant. “But it can’t go on for ever … can it?” She uses old battery lamps from her caravanning days and layers up to keep warm. Neighbours have brought Cornish pasties and flasks of hot water.
Roger Gillespie, 75, cooks on a camping stove and heats his 15th-century mill house with a log burner. He wears a head torch constantly as his home is dark. “I’m a bit of a survivalist, so I’ll be OK,” he said. “But I feel sorry for some of the people round here who aren’t as fit as me.” His water turned milky, forcing him to buy bottled water.
Liberal Democrat councillor Juliet Line said, “The lack of national attention has been frustrating. Staff at the council and local people are working so hard but the scale of the problem is massive.” She noted that internet-based phone systems fail in such crises, leaving people unsure if help is coming.
Andrew George, MP for St Ives, called for a national emergency declaration and extra resources. One man died when a tree fell on his caravan, and George worried there could be undiscovered deaths. “People are feeling traumatised,” he said. Cornwall council reported seven schools closed and about 1,000 incidents, mostly fallen trees.
National Grid said 168 properties remained without power by Tuesday afternoon, and South West Water reported fewer than 100 still without water. In Goldsithney, a tree fell across the main street onto a cottage roof; the family inside had a narrow escape. “The mother and three children were downstairs,” said neighbour Harry Glasson. “If it had been a few hours later they’d have been in bed and may not have survived.”
