Flood victim, 95, dies after living in Wetherspoons following home destruction

A 95-year-old woman whose house was destroyed by flooding was forced to take shelter in a Wetherspoons pub and died before she could move back, officials said. The tragedy highlights the personal toll of recent severe floods in the region.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) says Wales’ extensive coastline and fast‑responding rivers, especially in steep valleys such as those in south Wales, make the country highly prone to rapid flooding. The agency’s report also urged a review of whether defences in Monmouth town centre are adequate. "We're looking at our flood modelling and if there's anything else that can be done," Sara Pearson of NRW told reporters. She added, "We're seeing flooding that we've never experienced before and with climate change that's set to increase. We can't prevent flooding, but we can help minimise the impact."

The Welsh Government announced it is allocating almost £1.4m to flood‑risk management in Monmouthshire, including £700,000 of NRW funding for works at nearby Skenfrith. "We have made £85m available this year to Natural Resources Wales and local authorities for flood and coastal erosion schemes across Wales," the government said in a statement. NRW confirmed it has been clearing rivers, while the local council says its crews are busy clearing ditches, gullies and drains.