After the devastating effects of Storm Claudia, the community of Ewyas Harold has rallied together to assist in the cleanup efforts. The storm brought heavy rain and floods that reached record levels, disrupting public transport and damaging numerous properties in the West Midlands.
Storm Claudia’s Impact
On Friday, significant rainfall led to widespread flooding in the region. Local authorities reported:
- Flood water reaching record highs in Ewyas Harold.
- Public transport faced major disruptions, with train services affected by flooding and fallen trees.
- Various community events, including Parkruns, were cancelled due to unsafe conditions.
Local Response and Community Spirit
In Ewyas Harold, villagers and volunteers worked tirelessly through the night to pump water out of buildings and save local businesses. Sophie Wareing, the owner of a village shop, noted that her stock suffered severe damage. However, she praised the community for its quick response, stating that people arrived to help without any formal plea for assistance.
Claire, a lifelong resident, described her experience aiding with water removal at The Dog pub. The situation escalated rapidly as water levels surged, prompting a more urgent crisis response. She emphasized the dangers of the flood, noting how they had to secure themselves against the strong current.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Record Flooding | Flood waters described as flowing “like a river” through Ewyas Harold. |
| Community Cleanup | Volunteers and firefighters worked together to assist those affected. |
| Local Business Damage | Sophie Wareing’s shop experienced significant loss but needs to reopen for the community. |
Wider Regional Effects
Beyond Ewyas Harold, the storm affected several areas across the West Midlands and Herefordshire. Flood warnings were issued, and barriers were erected in various towns like Bewdley and Frankwell.
Mark Benthan, landlord of The Bridge Inn, witnessed severe flooding in Michaelchurch Ecclesley. He expressed relief after a concerted effort by the community to mitigate damage allowed him to plan for reopening the establishment quickly.
Statements from Officials
Former Environment Agency manager Dave Throup reported that Tenbury Wells managed to avoid the worst impacts, emphasizing how minor changes in weather patterns could have significantly altered the situation. He provided data on rainfall, with a recorded 80.6mm noted in Worcestershire.
Transport for Wales announced multiple station closures and cautioned passengers against traveling due to ongoing disruptions. With transport systems affected, many towns resorted to alternative arrangements like bus services.
Community Resilience
The unyielding spirit demonstrated by the residents of Ewyas Harold underscores the power of community collaboration in times of crisis. As the cleanup continues, the hope is to restore normalcy and support those in need.
