Storm Dennis death toll now up to 3 as man dies after falling into a river
An elderly woman was rescued from her home in Nantgarw, Wales
A man has died after falling into a river as Storm Dennis battered the country with heavy rain and 90mph winds. The tragedy happened in Ystradgynlais, south Wales, at around 10am, police have confirmed.
In a statement on Twitter, police wrote: ‘A male has fallen into the river at Ystradgynlais at approximately 10am this morning and has sadly be found deceased further along the river in the Tebanos area.
‘If you witnessed this incident please can you give us a call on 101.’ Police have declared a major incident in South Wales after severe flooding from Storm Dennis overnight.
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Streets have been evacuated with the help of a lifeboat in some of the worst-hit areas and people moved to emergency rescue centres after their properties and businesses were devastated by water from overflowing rivers.
On Sunday afternoon South Wales Police said they had declared a major incident as firefighters and rescue crews continued to help communities who have been cut off due to the flood water.
Assistant Chief Constable Jennifer Gilmer, said: ‘I would like to reassure the public who have been affected that we are doing everything we can, and will continue to work tirelessly until all risks dissipate.
‘I would like to thank all our emergency services and rescue partners for their assistance and professionalism.
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‘I have very clear advice for everybody, which is not to panic, and to be sensible, stay well clear of any danger such as streams and rivers, and contact us in an emergency.’
The force have told people in affected areas to stay indoors unless a journey was necessary, avoid waterways, and monitor local and social media for updates.
One of the worst-hit areas in South Wales was the village of Nantgarw, Rhondda Cynon Taff, near Cardiff, which had seen entire streets left underwater since the early hours of Sunday morning.
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Emergency teams including firefighters and volunteers had been evacuating the village’s Oxford Street since around 5am and were still working midday on Sunday.
Paul Mason, group manager of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said the scene his team had faced was the worst he had experienced in his 31-year career.
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He said: ‘We started getting calls at 5am. ‘The water was up to the window sills in some instances, so we sent a number of boats and crews down here to assist with our partner agencies, systematically going through each of the houses, knocking on doors, trying to prioritise individuals.
‘This weather is unprecedented. ‘We haven’t seen this, it’s incredible, and it’s right throughout the South Wales Valleys.
‘In my 31 years in the service this is the worst I’ve ever seen. ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this before.’
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