On a tumultuous Sunday night in Cwmtillery, a former mining community within Blaenau Gwent, a landslip triggered by a collapsed coal tip forced the evacuation of several homes, leading to a chaotic series of events for the affected residents. This landslide was confirmed by the Blaenau Gwent council to be a “singular wash-out” originating from a coal tip categorized as Category D, which poses a significant danger to public safety. Residents recounted their harrowing experiences resulting from unpredictable natural circumstances, heightened by recent heavy rainfall attributed to Storm Bert.
Residents found themselves in a distressing situation, as reported by individuals like Wayne Green. His family, instructed by authorities to leave their residence due to the imminent threat, spent an extended period at a leisure center until accommodations could be provided at about 1:30 a.m. Amid an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, Green shared that after being investigated for safe evacuation routes, they were pressured by the emergency services due to potential further landslips, leading to reservations about how they would reach safety with their vehicle stranded in knee-deep sludge.
The Welsh government is working in close collaboration with the Blaenau Gwent council and the Coal Authority to address the fallout from the incident. First Minister Eluned Morgan noted that the situation would be monitored diligently, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining the safety of coal tip communities now and in the foreseeable future. A statement was made assuring residents that the highest risk coal tips would be regularly inspected by the Coal Authority to prevent similar incidents.
The chaos did not end after evacuation, as properties were left buried in mud and debris. Vehicles were trapped, and the surrounding areas were transformed into an unrecognizable landscape of sludge and rocks. Rob Scholes, another resident of Cwmtillery, stated he evacuated by jumping from his window as floodwaters rapidly encroached on his house, highlighting the terrifying speed at which the disaster unfolded—something he had not experienced in his 17 years living there, despite weather-induced challenges in the past.
Community members banded together, highlighted by stories shared by individuals like Becky Ashford-Singer, who described Sunday night as “carnage.” Residents assisted each other with shovels, attempting to clear the area in a bid to restore some semblance of normalcy. However, they faced challenges such as children unable to attend school and adults unable to attend work due to blocked vehicles.
As morning broke over Cwmtillery, the aftermath remained troubling. Abbie Woolmer, another resident, recounted being forced to relocate with her three children to stay with relatives as uncertainty loomed over their housing situation. Woolmer expressed relief to have nearby family for support, yet unease spread through the community, as the residents awaited reassurance from officials regarding the risks posed by loose boulders and the status of the affected coal tip.
Steve Thomas, the leader of the Blaenau Gwent council, reaffirmed public safety as a paramount concern, lamenting the distress of residents who were forced to vacate their homes. He acknowledged the residents’ distress while guaranteeing that expert contractors were onsite to expedite the recovery process. Thomas also mentioned the establishment of emergency accommodation and a local advice center to assist displaced individuals.
Overall, the incident underscored the urgency of addressing potential hazards posed by coal tips and emphasized the importance of community and government cooperation during natural disasters. The events over the weekend serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of environmental threats and the resilience required to navigate them. As the community of Cwmtillery assesses their next steps, the dialogue surrounding safety measures and preventative actions regarding coal tips will likely gain heightened attention from local authorities and residents alike.
