Business owner describes flood clean up as a 'complete nightmare'

A shop owner in a Herefordshire village, where floodwaters surged through the town center, has called the aftermath a "complete nightmare." Bennie Krige, who runs Ewyas Harold Village Store and Post Office, said he "spent three straight weeks cleaning" following the flooding.

The village experienced record rainfall during Storm Claudia, causing significant damage to both homes and businesses. Mr. Krige revealed that the losses to his stock exceeded 20,000, most of which had to be discarded.

Despite the devastation, the store has reopened, and Mr. Krige emphasized that residents remain wary of future floods. "Whenever it rains, you think, 'not again.' We've lived here for 20 years, so we know this can happen," he said.

Sharon Lee, from nearby Clodock, described her own flooding ordeal: "Water was pouring through the walls. We tried to fight it with a pump and an aquavac, but it kept coming. By the time I checked the sitting room, the water was six inches deep, eventually reaching around 14 inches, forcing us to retreat upstairs."

To support affected communities, a "Floodmobile" visited Herefordshire this week, including Ewyas Harold, providing advice on protecting properties from flood damage. Flood advisor Mary Long-Dhonau, also known as "Flood Mary," joined representatives from Herefordshire Council and the Environment Agency to meet residents and answer questions.

Ms. Long-Dhonau explained the initiative: "Our goal is to show people how to safeguard their homes and assist in recovery after a flood." She noted that a campaign started in 2022 has helped homeowners incorporate flood resilience measures, with up to 10,000 available on top of insurance claims for those participating in the Build Back Better program.

The recent visits and guidance aim to prepare communities for future storms and encourage proactive flood defenses across the region.

Analysis: Aftermath of Storm Claudia in Herefordshire

The flooding in Ewyas Harold has exposed the vulnerability of local businesses and homes to extreme weather events. Bennie Krige’s account of losing over £20,000 in stock underscores the scale of the economic impact on small enterprises.

Residents’ anxiety about recurring floods is evident. Even after weeks of cleanup, the psychological and financial strain remains. Sharon Lee’s description of water reaching 14 inches inside her home highlights the rapid escalation of floodwaters and the limitations of individual response measures.

Initiatives like the "Floodmobile" and the Build Back Better program represent practical steps toward community resilience. With guidance from experts such as Mary Long-Dhonau and financial support for home improvements, these measures aim to reduce damage in future events and increase public preparedness.

While recovery efforts continue, the situation emphasizes the importance of proactive flood planning, investment in local defenses, and continuous community engagement to mitigate the risks posed by climate-driven storms in Herefordshire.

Sources:

• Flood clean up a 'total nightmare', says business

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.