Red Cross supporting communities affected by floods

BRITISH Red Cross volunteers are continuing to support communities in South Wales affected by flooding following Storm Callum and more remain on standby.
So far, nine volunteers and two members of staff have been deployed to help residents after flooded properties were evacuated.
A further 15 volunteers are on standby while the Red Cross has identified its local Community Reserve Volunteers (CRVs) and they will be informed if they are required to help.
CRVs sign up to make themselves available to help during large-scale emergencies after watching a 10-minute instructional video online and receive appropriate training at the scene of the incident.
Teams from Cardiff and Swansea – working in Land Rover and Ford Kuga 4×4 vehicles – have been deployed to help people whose homes were flooded at Aberaman and Pentre in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire.
The Red Cross was put on standby to support people at Newcastle Emlyn at 2pm on Saturday but volunteers were not required when the River Teifi breached its banks as the local authority was able to source emergency accommodation for those who had to leave their homes.
The organisation had been on standby in Carmarthen, where the River Tywi has also burst its banks, since 4pm on Saturday and but the team has now been stood down.
The Red Cross is also on standby to support ScottishPower customers in the event of power outages in North and South Wales.
British Red Cross senior emergency response officer for Wales Vernon Cornish said: “Our volunteers in South Wales have been very busy since Storm Callum struck and we are prepared to respond to further calls to support communities throughout Saturday evening.
“We are working very closely with local authorities and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and will continue to help those who have been affected by flooding.
“As always our volunteers have been fantastic in responding to this weather emergency and more stand by ready to help.”