đź’” Devastated by Storm Claudia đź’”
Darren and Karen Rockach’s dream home in Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, has been turned upside down by severe flooding. Once the couple’s peaceful sanctuary opposite the historic Skenfrith Castle, their home is now a waterlogged shell, covered in mud, oil and sewage.
🌀 As Storm Claudia swept through the village, the community’s defenses collapsed under the relentless surge of the River Monnow. Residents rushed to protect their homes, but even the Rockach’s strong flood defenses couldn’t hold back the tide.
đź‘€ Adding to the chaos were ‘flood tourists’, snapping pictures and driving through floodwaters, creating wakes that worsened the damage. Darren described the scene: “They shouldn’t have been here – the road was shut. Their cars could have become buoyant and bash into the house.”
🌊 Eventually, a massive swell hurled itself towards their door, overpowering the barriers in seconds. Darren recalls, “It was like you see on the news. From nothing to wipe out.”
Still in shock, the couple has been left to deal with the aftermath. The living room, littered with remnants of the sewage-laden flood, stands as a reminder of the disaster. The Rockachs’ cherished possessions and family heirlooms have been damaged or lost forever, and their kitchen will need to be rebuilt from scratch.
Despite always knowing the flood risks in Skenfrith, Darren reflected on their futile battle against the water: “We fought so, so hard. We thought we could beat it. But we couldn’t.”
As the village begins the slow recovery process, Darren and Karen face the heartbreaking task of rebuilding their lives. Karen laments the irreplaceable loss of family treasures and memories, while the couple grapples with the reality of starting over in a home they once considered perfect.
🙏 Sending strength to all affected. 🙏