Treorchy flash flood clear-up continues after pumping station fail
The clear-up continues after 30 homes in Treorchy were flooded when a water pumping station failed during heavy rain on Saturday night.
Homes in Rees Street and High Street in the Rhondda Cynon Taf town had to be evacuated when flood water began pouring into houses at 22:00 GMT.
An emergency centre was set up at Rhondda leisure centre for people who had to leave their homes.
Welsh Water said it was "extremely sorry" to those affected.
On Monday, one householder told BBC Radio Wales that it had been the second time the pumping station had failed in 12 years and called for an "action plan" to prevent a further occurrence.
Natalie Pearce, a station manager for South Wales Fire Control in Pontyclun, lives in one of the streets worst affected by the flood.
She was at work on Saturday evening and told BBC Radio Wales that she realised what was happening as soon as the emergency calls began.
"It happened 12 years ago and there was a real sense of deja vu as I heard a colleague taking a call and heard the address and I knew it was happening again."
Ms Pearce said householders had not had time to put sandbags in place to try and protect their homes.
"Christmas is ruined and it was sad to look into neighbours' homes and see the trees and presents floating in the water," she said.
She added that the situation was worse by Monday morning as the true extent of the damage became apparent.
"It is getting worse as time goes by because now paint is bubbling, the wooden floor is coming up, some doors won't close. There is a damp fusty smell," she said.
"I'm fortunate as I'm moving on Saturday anyway so I won't be here for Christmas, but I will get together with my neighbours to pursue Welsh Water so that we have an action plan in place if it happens again. We need more information."
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said it has been helping residents affected by the flooding.
"The incident occurred during the industrial action of the South Wales Fire Service, but Rhondda Cynon Taf Council worked with South Wales Police, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales," said a spokesperson.
"Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has set up a mobile unit near the Red Cow public house and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will also remain at the scene.
"Our thoughts are with all the flood victims at this very traumatic time."
Following the flash flood, a Welsh Water spokesman said: "Dwr Cymru Welsh Water attended a sewer flooding incident last night on High Street Treorchy.
"We were on site as soon as possible to investigate the situation which was caused by a failure at a local pumping station, combined with heavy rainfall.
"We worked overnight to fix the problem and ensure the flooding subsided.
"We are extremely sorry and now liaising with the customers affected to offer support and ensure any damage to their properties is affected."