Storm Bert leaves trail of destruction across the UK

International

AT LEAST five people died as Storm Bert swept across the United Kingdom, causing widespread disruption and severe flooding.

The storm, which hit over the weekend, brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and chaotic conditions to parts of England, Wales, and Scotland.

A report by CNN said that one of the hardest-hit regions was Wales, where dramatic footage showed rivers bursting their banks, inundating streets and vehicles.

In some areas, rescuers used inflatable rafts to save pets stranded in the floodwaters, while residents worked together to manually remove water using buckets.

Fatalities were reported across the country.

A man in his 60s died after a tree fell on his car in Winchester, southern England, while another man, in his 40s, was killed in a car crash in Northamptonshire.

In the north, a 34-year-old man died in a single-vehicle collision in West Yorkshire.

Additionally, two bodies were found, including that of a missing dog walker in North Wales who was swept away by floodwaters.

The storm caused major transport disruptions, with more than 300 flights canceled at London Heathrow Airport and nearly 1,200 delays reported over the weekend.

Train services were also heavily affected, with routes between London and Swansea, and Exeter to Barnstaple suspended due to flooding and fallen trees.

Great Western Railway advised passengers to avoid travel on Monday, citing significant disruption.

Power outages were widespread, with over 60 flood warnings issued across Wales, and further alerts in Scotland and England.

The UK Met Office reported that more than 130mm of rainfall was recorded over the past 24 hours, with warnings for continued strong winds and heavy rain expected through midweek.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences to those affected, commending the efforts of emergency services responding to the storm's impact.(CMM)