Parents Boost Screen Time During Rainy Days As Kids Worry About Flooding

Sharon Elward from Pontypridd Foodbank expressed concerns about the mental health impact of repeated flooding on residents. She highlighted that children in some flood-prone areas are so frightened by rain that their parents keep them indoors and increase TV volume to mask their anxiety.

“How can you physically endure living like this? Moving furniture upstairs during every warning isn’t realistic,” Elward said, noting a surge in mental health issues due to frequent flooding.

The Senedd’s environment committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss responses from agencies involved with Storm Bert and Storm Darragh, both of which caused extensive flooding last November and December. Rhondda Cynon Taf was particularly hard hit by Storm Bert, with 438 properties flooded and 8 million worth of infrastructure damaged.

Elward explained that the impact of seeing Pontypridd streets flood again deeply affected residents, many of whom feel unable to continue living in such conditions. She emphasized how flooding drives economic hardship and noted that foodbank drop-in sessions had been well-attended by those worst impacted by floods.

“Their voices are not being heardthey’re bounced around various organizations without any meaningful action,” she said, raising questions about the efficacy of past flood prevention investments.

Pontypridd resident Colin Fenn described seeing his home flooded twice recently. He explained that flooding necessitates stripping everything out because contaminated river water can damage furniture and belongings beyond repair. The trauma from repeated flooding is a significant mental health issue for him, he said.

Up in Porth, the Rheola Hotel experienced three floods in five years. Former manager John Morgan criticized the lack of warning before Storm Bert’s floodwaters rose to 2 feet deep throughout the pub. The incident led to staff stress and up to 80,000 worth of damage.

The National Infrastructure Commission advised a new flooding commissioner role for Wales to help coordinate efforts and improve communication between agencies involved in flood response.

A Welsh government spokesperson stated that their ongoing funding commitment aims to protect more than 45,000 homes from future floods. They highlighted the importance of learning lessons post-Storm Bert by organizing meetings among first responders and risk management authorities.