Storm Bert has wreaked havoc across the UK, leaving communities battling severe floods, landslides, and widespread power outages after a weekend of relentless rain and gale-force winds.
Heavy rainfall of up to 130 millimeters in some areas overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems, causing significant flooding. Roads turned into rivers, and homes and businesses were inundated, particularly in parts of England and Wales. Winds reaching 130 km/h toppled trees, damaged structures, and disrupted transportation.
In Wales, Pontypridd residents fought to save their homes, using buckets to push water over a flood wall. Many criticized authorities for inadequate flood defenses, with one resident calling it a “disaster waiting to happen.” Another pointed out that existing railings provided little protection against rising waters.
The storm claimed a life in Hampshire when a tree fell on a car, and in North Wales, ten people were rescued from a home threatened by a landslide. Emergency services continue to monitor dozens of severe flood warnings, including life-threatening conditions near the River Nene in Northampton.
Power outages affected tens of thousands of homes, with 27,000 properties in Yorkshire, the Northeast, and North Lincolnshire left without electricity. Additional outages hit the Midlands, South West England, and South Wales. Across Ireland, around 30,000 homes and businesses also lost power as high winds struck western counties.
Transportation networks were paralyzed, with multiple rail services canceled due to flooded tracks and debris. Emergency crews are working to restore services and reopen roads as the storm’s aftermath continues to impact daily life.
Experts are linking the increasing severity of such storms to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for improved flood defenses and infrastructure upgrades. Rising global temperatures contribute to heavier rainfall and more intense storm systems, exacerbating their destructive potential.
As communities begin the arduous cleanup process, calls are growing for governments to prioritize climate resilience and bolster preparedness for extreme weather events that are becoming the new normal.
