Monmouthshire County Council has begun a major recovery operation in the wake of Storm Dennis and unprecedented flooding across the county.

The council is estimating 100+ residential properties have been affected by flooding. A significant number of businesses and public assets have also been affected.

Residents are being supported through the provision of temporary accommodation where necessary and guidance on flood relief support networks.

A number of services remain closed or affected while the clean-up begins, this includes a number of road closures and bus routes. Monmouth Leisure Centre has been badly flooded and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. The Wye Bridge in Monmouth has been reopened, with access to the underpass reinstated.

While further rain is forecast for this evening, rivers are expected to rise but the council has been advised this will not be significant. The public are being asked to remain vigilant and mindful of dangers such as falling trees and debris.

Council officers have been out visiting communities in Skenfrith, Usk, Osbaston and other parts of Monmouthshire offering advice relating to hygiene, insurance claims and support services.

Welsh Water’s contingency plans for water are fully operational and these are likely to remain in place for a number of days.

Anyone looking for support is being encouraged to contact a community-led relief group called ‘Monmouthshire Residents Affected By Flooding’, where they can receive support in the way of clothing, food and toys. The support group can be contacted via their Twitter page @Monflooding or by contacting lisa4@gmail.com.

Monmouthshire County Council, Leader Peter Fox said: “Understanding the true extent of the damage and loss to our county will take some time but our teams are working to ensure we support those residents and businesses that have been impacted. We met with the Welsh Government today and this gave us a chance to highlight the severity of situation in Monmouthshire. We had an opportunity to open up the dialogue on the appropriateness of flood defences in the county. We also had the chance to spend time with our emergency services thanking them for their time.

“We’ve been able to discuss some short term funding from the Welsh Government. Application and administration on how that would impact Monmouthshire is being worked on.  My heart goes out to all who have been affected by these devastating floods and I just wanted to thank our partner agencies and the public for all your efforts over the last few days.”