That brings us to the statement by the Minister for Environment, which is an update on the flood impacts of storm Callum. I call on the Minister to make the statement—Hannah Blythyn.

Diolch, Llywydd. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide an update on the flooding experienced across Wales over the past weekend as a result of storm Callum. I would like to start by sending my sympathies to all those who have been flooded over this weekend and in particular to the family of Corey Sharpling, who lost his life as a result of a landslide.

I’d like to place on record this Government’s gratitude to the emergency services, local authorities, Natural Resources Wales and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, who worked tirelessly around the clock this weekend to support those who have been flooded, close roads and evacuate properties, and who are now working with communities to support their recovery.

I recognise how devastating and distressing flooding can be to those communities affected. This morning, I saw at first hand some of the impacts when I visited Llandysul, where I met with residents and the teams who responded over the weekend and who continue to work on the recovery.

Storm Callum brought large amounts of rainfall in Wales, with up to 160mm being recorded in a 24-hour period—more than the monthly average for this time of the year. During the peak period of this event, NRW had issued 40 flood warnings. This had a massive impact on our rivers, with some recording their highest levels on record, and, in many places, drainage systems were overwhelmed. Unfortunately, this has led to flooding of properties, roads, railways and agricultural land around the country.

Local authorities and NRW are continuing to work to assess the full extent of the damage and impacts. However, we are aware of flooding to properties in the local authorities of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and the Isle of Anglesey. Our current estimates are that 218 properties across Wales suffered internal flooding, of which 195 were homes, the majority of these being across the southern half of the country. Local authorities and NRW are continuing to pull together information about flooded properties and, over the coming few days, this figure is likely to change. In addition, Dŵr Cymru have also reported at least 29 properties flooded internally.

Storm Callum had a significant impact on the rail services across the entire Wales and borders network, with flooding and high winds resulting in the cancellation of a number of services, as well as impacting on general performance. Flood damage was particularly severe on the Heart of Wales line, where the wash-out of a significant section of track near Llandeilo means that the line will remain partially closed for a number of days yet. In addition to the impact on rail infrastructure, a significant number of trains were also damaged during storm Callum through hitting trees and branches, as well as having to run through flood waters.

A number of roads and bridges around the country were impacted over the weekend, with some remaining closed. The road closures as a result of flooding were not due to failing infrastructure, but the sheer volume of run-off onto the network or from rivers breaking out of their banks. Most trunk roads reopened on Sunday and all are now fully open.

Power utilities reported that over 38,000 customers were affected by the severe weather. However, all customers were restored within 24 hours.

There were a number of reported cases of animals being caught up in the flash floods over the weekend. Various agencies in Wales, including emergency, third sector and enforcement, responded to reports of animals in danger. Whilst they were able to help in many cases, unfortunately the conditions and risk to human life meant it was not always possible to intervene.

Whilst we have seen flooding to many areas across the country, we have also received reports of assets working effectively to reduce the risk in many places. Two examples are reports from Ystradgynlais and Usk, where defences did their job and prevented flooding to the towns. This helps to show how our sustained investment in flood risk management, awareness raising and warning systems has had a positive impact.

We now need to understand the full extent of impacts associated with storm Callum to inform discussions with local authorities and to see what we can do to support those communities affected. Following a major flood event, local authorities have a statutory requirement to investigate its cause and impacts, and provide recommendations going forward. This may include input from NRW, and Welsh Water where required, as well as what lessons can be learnt for the future. I know that some local authorities are considering a hardship scheme and are already discussing with finance officials whether Welsh Government can assist with emergency financial assistance. This Government would like to give that our full consideration.

I recognise the importance of adapting to our changing and challenging climate, which is why flood risk management remains one of my priorities. We are committed to continuing investment in flood and coastal risk management and over the lifetime of this Government will invest over £350 million across Wales. Our investment is not focused solely on building and maintaining defences, but also about community resilience and prevention, through better information, raising awareness of flooding and preparing flood plans to reduce the impacts on lives and property.

We cannot prevent all flooding occurring, so rebuilding resilience and learning from these events is vital. As I started by saying, we cannot do this alone, and I would like to conclude by reiterating my thanks to all those involved in the response to these flooding events and who continue to work hard to assist in the recovery.

Storm Callum did, indeed, wreck homes, businesses and stole lives, and my deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the young man, Corey Sharpling, who lost his life. But I also have to say that the landslide that took this young man's life also saw some truly heroic efforts, and I would like to publicly pay tribute to two Carmarthenshire County Council workers, because, on that road when the landslide came down with gallons and gallons of water, it swept the lorry off the road, over the bank and into the river, because it's a river road that goes through Cwmduad. The lorry went in head first, the driver was under water and those two Carmarthenshire County Council workers leapt into that boiling inferno, smashed the windows and grabbed him out. I'm sure that throughout Wales there are other tales of people who've done some truly heroic actions, and I'd like to pay tribute to them.

I'd like to thank Carmarthenshire County Council, Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Natural Resources Wales, but I also particularly want to pay tribute to Carmarthenshire County Council—to Mark James, Ruth Mullen and the staff, who've all been amazing. Already, the housing teams have been out, the regeneration teams have been out, next week a mobile hub will be set up to help people with benefits, with signposting, with rate rebates, and their positive action and decision to put £100,000 today on the table today for individuals, and £200,000 for businesses, makes, I'm afraid, Minister, the Welsh Government's statement today look as wet as the storm. Minister, will you be able to offer any hard money to councils throughout Wales to assist in a hardship fund? Are you able to commit to matching people like Carmarthenshire County Council, who've already put £300,000? You do say in your statement that you'd like to give it your full consideration—but it's today; they need the money today. There are lives destroyed; they need to start rebuilding today. I worry that the Government will spend ages considering everything before it takes action. Will you please clarify that for me?

Councils might be able to support the smaller businesses, but, of course, funds will be needed for the big, mid and large businesses, especially those that were unable to get flood risk insurance—a number of businesses, again in Carmarthen. There's the big company who have all the pick-up trucks and the rescue trucks—every single one has gone—they can't get insurance because they're by the river. This is an issue, Llywydd, that the environment and sustainability committee have looked at in various iterations of this Assembly and we're still no further forward in helping businesses and homes that are inadvertently affected by what are now major flood risks to get that insurance. So, these people—their livelihoods have been wiped out. So, I'd like to know what you might be able to do to help them.

Minister, will you also waive the trigger point that councils need to reach before they can access any of the Welsh Government hardship fund moneys? That trigger point is set quite high and I think, in a case like this flood, it would be useful if that could be set aside. Minister, it's also the small things—so, for example, the councils are out cleaning houses, dealing with ruined goods—which in turn will affect their municipal waste recycling targets. Are you able to consider setting aside the detritus that comes from the storm so that it's not part of those recycling targets, because that will harm the councils in the long run in meeting Welsh Government targets?

Above all, Minister, this was awful, and in my constituency of Carmarthen West and, in fact, in the whole of Carmarthen, there's been a massive impact, from the cafe that employed 12 people that is going to struggle to ever open again to the large companies that have lost so much. So, I wonder, Minister, if you will agree to update us all in a month's time via an oral statement because we need to let everyone know that Wales is still open despite storm Callum, and on my behalf and as a direct response for the businesses of Carmarthen, can we please let everyone know that Carmarthen is still open despite storm Callum?

Can I thank the Member for her contribution? You made it quite clear yourself that Carmarthen is still open for business despite storm Callum. You're absolutely right, as you opened your remarks today, to talk about those amazing examples of bravery and people just going above and beyond to help their fellow citizens in a time of crisis. One thing that struck me when I visited this morning is that, despite looking at how devastated and distressed people were by what has happened, was that absolute sense of community spirit, and the stories I heard about people helping one another—the paddling centre, where people come from all over the country—. They were still smiling. For me, it was very important, as the Minister, to go there and speak to people but also to hear from them, so it gives you that extra passion you need to really know that we really need to make a difference to support these people.

I think Carmarthenshire council's action is to be commended. I met with representatives of the council this morning. They were talking about their emergency fund and what they're giving per household as well. I'm acutely aware of time pressures and the need to respond and the need to support people at their time of need now. So, we're just getting that information in. As soon as we have that—talking with local authorities, and they already are in touch with my officials today to look at what has been and what the impacts are and what needs to be done—I'm sure we'll be able to respond as promptly as possible.

In terms of the detritus you mentioned from the storm and the clean-up operation, I'm sure that's something we'd be willing to consider to set aside as well. 

I would like to begin by thanking the Minister for her timely statement. I'd like to associate myself with the comments that she and Angela Burns have made, extending my sympathies to—and those of Plaid Cymru—to all those affected, as already expressed earlier by Adam Price, and particularly to the family and friends of Adam's constituent, Corey Sharpling, who tragically lost his life. I was very touched by the comments that Angela made about how many brave people have really stuck their necks out to protect themselves, their friends and their neighbours across the Mid and West Wales region at this difficult time. I'd like to concur with the comments that the Minister has made and that Angela Burns has made—the gratitude they've expressed to the emergency services, to all public services, and to local authority staff across Mid and West Wales who worked so hard over the weekend to assist those affected. I had, for example, particularly positive feedback from constituents with regard to how useful the emergency helplines run by Ceredigion and Carmarthen councils have proved to be at this very difficult time. It's very pleasant to be able to report back on an emergency situation and a response to that that really does seem to be working for people. I'm very glad that the Minister has been able to visit one of the communities affected, and I know that my colleagues Ben Lake MP, Jonathan Edwards MP and Adam Price AM will be visiting more of the areas affected on Friday. My colleague Elin Jones AM, ein Llywydd ni, for Ceredigion has particularly asked me to mention the efforts that communities themselves have made and that volunteers from the third sector have made to help with the clear-up after this devastating storm. 

This was, of course, the worst flooding faced by many of the communities in my region for 30 years, but I'm sure that the Minister will agree with me that the effects of climate change mean that these extreme events are going to become more common. Does the Minister agree with me that it is now time—? And she has mentioned co-ordination, but I think we need to take this further. Does she agree with me that it's now time for the Welsh Government to develop a climate change adaptation plan to ensure that we are fully prepared and that our communities are adequately protected? And will she undertake today to discuss the development of such a plan with colleagues across Government and to report back to the Chamber on progress? I don't mean to suggest, Llywydd, that the Welsh Government is not taking any action in this area, but I think that it is now time for us to really consider co-ordinating that action even more effectively across portfolios.

In her statement, the Minister mentions that there were communities that were successfully protected by existing flood defences, and I think we'd all join her in being very pleased about that, but she will be aware that there were situations where existing defences were breached, and not all of them long-standing defences. Will the Minister undertake today to review the Welsh Government's priorities with regard to investment in flood protection, and indeed the nature of the flood defences that we're using, in the light of these breaches?

In her statement, the Minister states that road closures were not due to failing infrastructure. I hope that she would agree with me that we need to be adapting our infrastructure to meet the needs of very changing times. I'm sure she will be aware, for example, that most of the bridges across the Teifi were closed for long periods, creating significant problems for emergency services, for example, accessing Glangwili hospital from Ceredigion. Will she commit today to reviewing with the appropriate local authorities and public bodies the resilience of infrastructure in the affected areas, particularly addressing the strength of bridges across the Tawe and the Teifi? Some of them, as she will be aware, are of a considerable age and will have been potentially adversely affected by the strength of this event.

With regard to resources, can the Minister tell us whether the Welsh Government has approached the Westminster Government, or whether you will do so, with a view to taking advantage potentially of the financial support available from the EU solidarity fund? I think this could prove to be a valuable source of additional resources at this difficult time. Can she—? And she has mentioned this, but I'd like to press her further on this—. She mentioned this in response to Angela Burns, but can she provide assurances that the Welsh Government will be assisting affected local authorities by the emergency financial assistance scheme? Llywydd, nobody would expect the Minister to put a price on that today, but I do feel that we need to seek her assurance that there will be support available, even if she can't tell us exactly how much at present.

And, finally, can the Minister tell us what support the Welsh Government will be able to offer the farming community, many of whom will face devastating losses of equipment and livestock? Diolch yn fawr. 

I thank the Member for her comprehensive contribution, and I'll do my best to address the questions that you've raised. I think you're also right again to pay tribute to and recognise the efforts put in by volunteers, by the local community, as well as the emergency services, to whom not only the local communities but I think all of us owe a debt of gratitude. And it is good to hear the positive stories too of emergency helplines working well, that prevention that's been put in place. One of the things I heard back this morning too was how some of the Natural Resources Wales alerts helped to notify people so that when they were in a flood-risk area they were able to take action to move their cars or to take certain steps to actually prevent the impact on their home and their area as well.

In terms of looking at a review of our priorities, after any event like this, when our capability and our resilience have been tested, it is only right and proper that we look at what's worked and also look at what hasn't worked and see the things that do need to be changed in future. So, we do expect that we will work now with local authorities, Natural Resources Wales, and all other stakeholders to look at what has happened and where we may need to change things for the future, because it's always right that we learn lessons and we build on the work we are doing while maintaining that commitment to flood prevention across the whole of Wales as well.

In terms of a climate change adaptation plan and flood prevention, of course, climate change is one of the factors that is considered in terms of how we map flood risk and address those priorities in our prevention within Wales as it stands, but, certainly, as the threats of climate change grow ever greater—the challenges that brings—it's only right that we consider that as a whole. I'm sure I and the Cabinet Secretary for energy will be working together closely, with other colleagues across Cabinet, on our approach to climate change adaptation going forward, which will obviously consider all things holistically, including flood prevention and mitigation as well.

In terms of emergency funding available to help, I'm sure this is something that—like I said to my colleague Angela Burns, there are already conversations taking place on that with officials and it's something that, as a Welsh Government, we are open to and sympathetic to. And whilst you're right that I can't put a figure on a number right now, right here in this Chamber, certainly we're aware of the need to press ahead with this and also to look at, actually, do we need to consider the trigger as well as part of that.

Finally, just on the point of the EU solidarity funding, my understanding at present is that this is only available when the cost of flood damage exceeds £1 billion. Obviously, all things on the table, all things need to be considered, and, obviously, you're right that any funding allocation would need to be handled through discussion by both Welsh Government and UK Government officers and Ministers. To my awareness, no discussions have yet taken place, but, obviously, that would depend on the outcome of the reviews that are taking place in Wales at the moment in all the communities affected.

Thank you for your statement, Minister. Along with Angela Burns, my heartfelt sympathies go to the family and friends of Corey Sharpling, who sadly died in a landslip. And also my sympathies go to other people in the UK who died or who have suffered injury in the recent storm. I'm sure that all Members in this place will do our utmost to assist them and those people whose homes and businesses have been damaged by the high winds and flooding caused by storm Callum. I'd also like to echo the thanks and appreciation to the emergency services and others and members of the public who worked to help their friends, neighbours and other people through the difficulties caused by the storm.

I appreciate that some communities will have benefited greatly from flood defences that have already been put in place, but, in some places, those defences have clearly been overwhelmed, and, understandably, residents will be concerned. So, can you confirm what steps you will take to review flood defences, both in communities that already have them and where residents and businesses may feel they're missing out?

You've acknowledged in your statement that animals were caught up in the flooding, and there have been occasions of sheep having been washed away and other animals being stranded. I'd like to ask you what support the Welsh Government can offer those farmers who've lost livestock and now have injured livestock because of the flooding. There are also reports of horses having to be rescued from the flooding itself. So, are you satisfied that the correct level of resources and adequate information are there to help horse owners and owners of similar animals and farmers as well to plan for, and deal with, the consequences of flooding? What conversations are you having with farmers regarding their role in preventing and mitigating the risk of flooding, and what support will you offer them so that they can actually fulfil that role?

Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Club is a community-based enterprise and has already started fundraising to address the damage caused, which they estimate at some £200,000. Can the Welsh Government consider offering some level of support for community initiatives affected by severe weather? And the effective provision of utilities is a life-and-death measure for some people—in particular, hospitals. So, what discussions have you had with utility companies about their response to the storm and any challenges they faced that Welsh Government can address for the future? Thank you.

I thank the Member for her contribution and her questions.

In terms of looking at—. You referred to how flood defences have been in place and have worked and to assess whether things have worked as well as we would have liked them to do. As I said previously, it's our duty, when anything like this happens, that we should review and assess what has happened when we get all the information in from local authorities and Natural Resources Wales and all the stakeholders and communities involved, and make sure that we're able to learn from that and revise accordingly, and that is something that I will take very seriously, as the Minister for environment, working alongside my relevant Government and Cabinet colleagues. So, that is something we will look at and will feed into our future plans in terms of when we look at where our priorities are for prevention. 

You're right to point out, and I mentioned in my statement, the impact on landowners and the incidents of some sheep, and farmers. In terms of how our—. I think it's important for us to work with farmers and landowners, who understand flood risk and understand land management in their areas, which is why, when we're looking at updating our natural strategy for flood prevention, which is ongoing at the moment, landowners and farmers will be part of that as well, to make sure that we can take into account and learn from all the points that you've raised in terms of land management, and animal and horse owners as well.

You mentioned the paddlers club and I actually met them today in Llandysul and saw what they were doing in terms of the clean-up operation and how people have come from all over the country and their crowdfunding. In terms of this—you know, we need to work with all the stakeholders in the community and work, as a Welsh Government, to see how we're best placed to give support going forward.

Thank you, Minister, for your statement. As I'm sure you will know, my constituency was especially affected by storm Callum, with Aberdare being widely described as the town hardest hit by flooding. In Rhondda Cynon Taf, around 40 homes and 29 businesses have been flooded, many of which are in my constituency. And, in Penrhiwceiber, over 30 people who were trapped on a train in rising flood water had to be rescued by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service using an inflatable walkway.

I want to repeat the comments of other Members earlier in offering their thanks to the emergency services, to council workers, volunteers and others for their prompt actions, and also to pass on my sympathies to all those who have been affected. I welcome your comments regarding giving full consideration to granting emergency financial assistance to local authorities, but I want to make the point that it's not just about the short-term immediate expenditure. In RCT, for example, £100,000 has already been spent on that and there's another £100,000 earmarked for investigative and clearance work. So, will you ensure that you give consideration to long-term measures such as that which can help to mitigate the effects of flooding and save money in the long term?

Secondly, we know, Minister, that afforestation of upland areas is one of the most effective and environmentally sustainable ways to mitigate flooding in our Valleys communities. Indeed, if you look to the Lake District, following storm Desmond in 2015, the National Trust planted 1,400 trees there, which are already helping to prevent run-off and reduce flooding. So, with NRW having cleared much land in the past few years, such as at Glenboi in my constituency, due to ash dieback and larch disease, and replanting in some key areas not having yet taken place, what more can be done to accelerate the crucial process of afforestation?

I thank the Member for her questions and contribution, especially on behalf of your constituents who've also been impacted by the flood at the weekend. My every sympathy for anybody who has been impacted by it, because we see how distressing it is to see your home or your business and your community impacted in that way, and then the aftermath of the clear-up as well.

You make a very good point in terms of afforestation. Natural flood-risk management is definitely something to be considered when it comes to reducing flood risk, and that will form part of our natural strategy, which we're compiling and updating at the moment. That will include things such as flood storage areas, tree planting, use of woody debris and leaky dams and reintroducing meanders, so it's of course something that—. I fully agree with the Member that this is an important way in terms of how we tackle flood management in the future.

Because of the support now with the clear-up operation and the immediate costs that need to be covered—. There's obviously work that needs to be done immediately, but you're absolutely right to talk about long-term measures, because that's the whole point of having—that's why we look at flood prevention and flood-risk management, because we want to be in the best position we can be in the future, not just to prevent flooding to protect properties and businesses and homes, but for people's peace of mind, too. Because, when you've been impacted once by a flood, it's always going to be there on your mind every time there's heavy rainfall. Every time there's something like that, that is always going to be playing on your mind, and that's something that really hit home to me from the people I visited today. So, it's something that we really need to do. That's why it's so important that we don't think just short term; it is a long-term strategy in terms of how we protect people in Wales.

Minister, thank you for your statement today, and I also join in other Members' comments and condolences to the families and those affected by the—I think that 'horrific events' isn't too strong, really, when you see some of the images that have come out from across Wales. When death is obviously one of the effects of those events, then they are horrific, to say the least. 

I'd like to just press you on two issues, if I may, Minister. In your statement you talk about how flood risk management remains one of your priorities, and I fully endorse that. But yet, in your remit letter, which the leader of the opposition did touch on during First Minister's questions, of the five points for you as a Minister—not the Cabinet Secretary, but for you specifically as a Minister—flood prevention is not one of those five points that is in your remit letter for this year. Recycling is, woodlands are, and tackling poor air quality, improving the understanding of the value of nature, and reversing the decline in biodiversity. So, it's not unreasonable to ask: why was it missing from your remit letter to NRW, given that they're the body who obviously oversee the planning and implementation of flood defences around Wales?

Yesterday, the First Minister did indicate that money would be available. Again, I appreciate that you're not in a position to put a figure to that, and it would be wrong, in fact, such a short time after, for you to actually say, 'This is x amount available.' It would be worth reflecting on how much will be available. But can you confirm that the money that the First Minister was talking of will be new money to your department, or will it have to be money that will have to be found from within your current resources? Because, as I said, the First Minister clearly did identify money would be made available, so that's the most senior person in Government saying that, giving that commitment, but I think it's important to understand—and the finance Secretary is in his chair—whether he is making new money available to you, and, in which case, that would be a very welcome addition to your budget.

Can I thank the Member for his contribution and his words of sympathy and support for all those impacted? You raise, in terms of questioning, whether this is a priority for this Government, I can categorically make clear and say this is a priority, not just for myself, but for this Government. And you raised the remit letter. When I came into post and announced the statement, I outlined a number of priorities, five of which you listed there. I also made clear in that statement that flood prevention was a key priority that interlinked and interwove a lot of that. So, it is absolutely 100 per cent a priority for this Government, which is why we're investing £350 million in this Assembly term, and £54 million in this financial year alone, and that will not change.

In terms of how we go forward, the First Minister said yesterday that funding would be made available in these circumstances of flooding. Well, it goes back to what I've said already. We need to look at what's happened, review as quickly as we possibly can, working with all stakeholders and local authorities, with NRW, to look at what works and what we need to prioritise and change. Potentially, it's perhaps—. I'm of the view that this is absolutely a priority, and we need to make sure that, despite the backdrop of austerity, money is coming in to flooding as well. Theresa May says austerity is over, so if you want to pick up the phone and tell her to give us a call and give us some more money so that we can get some money towards flooding—

Is it new money? Is it new money?

But—.

Carry on, Minister, you don't need to listen to anybody if you choose not to.

Diolch, Llywydd. It certainly is a priority for this Government to ensure that we have the funding and the priority needed available to make sure that we address flood prevention and mitigation in Wales, and that we can reassure and provide peace of mind to all communities that have been impacted by flooding.

We've seen storm Callum and the dreadful destruction, floods everywhere, and tragedy, as mentioned earlier. The bay was flooded. Yet, the disputed area around Roath brook remains perfectly well and not flooded at all, so my question to you would be: do you think that you can spend the £0.5 million earmarked for the Roath brook area better elsewhere, and will you reconsider?

I was banking on the Member bringing up this within this statement. Look, the Member will be well aware of the situation now in terms of Roath brook, where NRW are working with the residents group there, and the work has been paused following the residents doing some modelling work of their own. That remains the case. I, in fact, visited the site just a few weeks ago to see the work that's been done to date, and Roath Mill Gardens, where there hasn't been work done. That is something that's a separate matter. That's where it is. It's paused. That's being considered, and I expect NRW to come back with some proposals on that.

But whilst I recognise the emotion and the concerns around the proposals for Roath park, and particularly the impact in terms of the tree removal, I think, for me, and for many communities across Wales—and we've seen the impact of flooding over the past weekend—it's absolutely right that we should consider and we should invest, and I think people need flood protection and prevention. We shouldn't shy away from—. There are people who have seen their homes wrecked and their businesses wrecked this weekend.

Not where Roath brook is. It's not flooded in decades.

I'm speaking now. Tell that to the people who—. Flood prevention is so important, and it's an investment in these communities. Roath brook is a separate matter. Today, we are talking about those communities that have been affected by storm Callum and how this Government will stand up and invest in those communities to prevent further floods and to give peace of mind.

Thank you, Minister.