Monmouth floods prompts ‘danger to life’ warnings and evacuations

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident in Monmouth following “widespread flooding” due to Storm Claudia.

Natural Resources Wales has imposed four severe flood warnings in the area amid concern of a “significant risk to life”.

“Teams have been carrying out rescues, evacuations, welfare checks, and moving residents from affected areas to places of safety,” said a fire service statement.

Gwent Police, Welsh Ambulance Services and Monmouthshire council are also involved in the operation.

Fire service area manager Matt Jones described the flooding as “significant” and urged people to “avoid the area completely”.

“We need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most.

“If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999.”