Major incident declared as flooding triggers rescues across West Wales and Swansea
450 calls in 12 hours
The service said its Joint Fire Control Centre handled more than 450 flooding‑related calls in just 12 hours between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery praised the “dedication and professionalism” of crews and control staff who worked through the night to respond to emergencies.
He said:
“Our crews have been truly exceptional in assisting and protecting our communities. We are extremely grateful to all partner agencies who have assisted in responding to incidents during a prolonged and challenging period.”
Whitland: retirement complex evacuated
One of the most serious incidents unfolded in Whitland, where floodwaters swept into a retirement housing complex in the early hours of Wednesday. Crews from Pembroke Dock, Tenby, Swansea Central, Carmarthen and Whitland stations evacuated 48 residents using rescue sleds and water rescue equipment. All were accounted for and temporarily sheltered at Whitland Town Hall.
Ferryside: homes evacuated with RNLI support
At Ferryside, crews from Ammanford, Tumble and Carmarthen worked with the RNLI after multiple homes were flooded. Residents were led to safety and taken to Ferryside RFC for shelter.
Fire crews wade through floodwater at Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Kidwelly, bringing terrified dogs to safety after the kennels were submerged. (Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
Kidwelly: 34 dogs rescued from sanctuary
At Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary near Kidwelly, crews from Gorseinon and Cymmer stations rescued 34 dogs after floodwaters engulfed the kennels. The sanctuary’s owner described losing “everything” as bedding, food supplies and equipment were destroyed.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue crews guide rescued casualties and dogs to safety after a complex operation in Lampeter. (Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
Lampeter: vehicle rescue in fast‑flowing water
In Lampeter, firefighters from Lampeter and Aberystwyth stations carried out a complex rescue after a vehicle became stranded in fast‑flowing water. Using ladders, they reached three people and two dogs trapped inside, bringing them to safety before handing the casualties to ambulance crews.
Residents are ferried to safety by boat after floodwaters inundated homes and businesses in St Clears. (Image: Han Playle)
St Clears: 20 properties affected
In St Clears, crews from Morriston, Swansea Central, Haverfordwest, Narberth and Llandysul responded to flooding that hit around 20 homes and businesses. Approximately 42 people were assisted out of their properties and rescued using sleds.
Flooded Cwmbwrla roundabout in Swansea, looking towards pumping equipment from the Cwmbwrla side of the railway bridge (Image: Swansea Council).
Swansea: Cwmbwrla roundabout submerged again
In Swansea, heavy rain once again left Cwmbwrla roundabout completely submerged, with cars stranded and nearby businesses forced to evacuate. The Gatehouse pub had to be cleared after water surged up through drains, with the landlady describing it as the second such incident in just six weeks.
Swansea Council has since said a collapsed culvert is behind the repeated flooding at the busy junction, which has caused major disruption to traffic into the city centre.
Support and recovery underway
As the emergency response continued, local councillors Crisial Davies and Lewis Eldred Davies, who represent Ferryside and Kidwelly, confirmed they had been on the ground speaking with residents and liaising with Carmarthenshire County Council and Welsh Water. They said additional sandbags were being delivered to affected areas including Glanmorfa and Glan yr Ystrad, and highlighted the launch of an emergency flood fund offering £500 for households that have been internally flooded, an additional £1,000 for those without insurance, and grants of up to £5,000 for eligible businesses.
Carmarthenshire Council has also opened a rest centre at Carmarthen Leisure Centre to support people displaced by flooding in Whitland, St Clears and surrounding communities. The authority said its crews had been working throughout the night and remained on site in multiple locations across the county, urging residents not to drive through floodwater.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it continues to work with the Dyfed‑Powys Local Resilience Forum and partner agencies to support ongoing incidents and coordinate what is expected to be a challenging and lengthy recovery effort.
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