Major incident declared after severe flooding in southwest Wales

Severe flooding in southwest Wales has prompted a major incident, with emergency crews rescuing dozens of people from homes, vehicles and a care facility in Carmarthenshire.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said Joint Fire Control received more than 450 calls in 12 hours as heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and roads to flood overnight.

Forty-eight people were evacuated from a care home, while more than 40 residents were helped from flooded houses. Three people were rescued from a vehicle caught in fast-moving water, and over 30 dogs were saved from kennels at a local shelter.

In the village of Ffarmers, crews used ladders to reach a vehicle surrounded by rising water, rescuing three people and two dogs. Additional rescues took place in Ferryside and St Clears, where around 20 homes and businesses were affected.

Assistant chief fire officer Craig Flannery said conditions were “prolonged and challenging” as crews continue to respond to flooding across the region.

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