Thousands of residents across the UK are grappling with the aftermath of Storm Bert, which unleashed heavy rains, high winds, and flooding over the weekend, causing widespread disruption to homes, businesses, and transport networks.
Among the hardest-hit regions were parts of Wales and central England, where floodwaters inundated towns and farmland, prompting emergency evacuations and severe warnings from authorities.
Devastation Across Communities
Storm Bert brought torrential rain, with some areas receiving up to 130 millimeters in a matter of hours. Over 180 flood warnings remain in effect, including a severe warning for the River Nene in Northampton, where water levels have risen dangerously.
In Pontypridd, Wales, frustrated residents attempted to protect their homes using makeshift methods like bailing water over flood walls, criticizing local authorities for inadequate flood defenses. “They should have invested in proper protection instead of installing useless railings,” one resident said.
In North Wales, ten people were rescued from a home after a landslide, while Hampshire officials reported a fatality when a tree fell onto a car.
Disrupted Transport and Power Outages
The storm brought winds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph), halting train services and toppling trees across the UK. Nearly 27,000 homes in the Northeast, Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire lost power over the weekend, with thousands more affected in South Wales and the Midlands.
In Ireland, Storm Bert knocked out power to at least 30,000 homes and businesses, particularly in western counties.
Calls for Climate Action
Environmental experts have pointed to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events like Storm Bert as a symptom of climate change. Warmer atmospheric conditions allow storms to gather more energy, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds.
The Environment Agency warned that wet weather could continue to affect farmland, roads, and recreational areas in the coming days, urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
As communities recover from the immediate impact, questions are mounting about how authorities can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of future storms.