Rhondda Cynon Taf Communities affected by overnight flooding
A number of properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf – in areas including Trehafod, Cilfynydd, Tonyrefail and Rhydyfelin – have been affected by flooding overnight.
The Rhydyfelin area was impacted particularly severely with approximately 30 properties affected by the extraordinary rate of rainfall, which fell at a rate of between 50-100mm or 2-4 inches of rainfall per hour.
The flooding in Rhydyfelin was caused by this sudden intense rainfall very late in the evening, which mobilised a significant amount of rubble and debris off the mountainside – particularly affecting the Masefield Way area of the village. One culvert has seen more than 50 tonnes of debris removed this morning.
Previous Masefield Way flooding
October 1998
January 1999
September 1999
December 1999
July 2001
September 2004
December 2006
January 2007
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-58791024
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/NEVER+AGAIN.-a0120894860
Council camera monitors confirm that the culverts in the area were clear and free-flowing up to one hour before any flooding occurred as a result of the sudden, intense and severe weather. The culverts were, however, submerged under 50 tonnes of debris within two hours.
Floodgates were placed at entrances in an attempt to avert internal damage to most properties, while the flows of water subsided quickly.
Council officers and cleansing crews were deployed to Rhydyfelin in the early hours of the morning, and a large presence remains in the area, working closely with local residents and businesses. The Council is currently assessing the damage caused and the impact this is having on the community.
If you have been affected by flooding, please call the Council on 01443 425011.
