A devastating flood at the Galleria Centre in Newport has left one person hospitalised after suffering a severe electric shock. During Storm Claudia, the business hub was overwhelmed by 9ft of water, forcing fire crews from Tonypandy to step in to pump-out the deluge. A person was electrocuted in the basement and remains in hospital, though their current condition is unknown.
Stephen Payne, the centre’s owner, expressed his heartbreak and frustration, admitting, “I feel helpless and am struggling to deal with what’s happened.” The centre housed eight local businesses, providing affordable space for independent shops—including a beautician, a homeware store, and a landscaping company—all of which are now devastated by the flooding.
Stephen, who only opened the refurbished centre in September, is working tirelessly with his team to manage the aftermath. “We are closed, and I want customers to know we’re arranging alternative accommodations for affected businesses,” he shared. He also revealed concerns over insurance coverage for flooding, emphasising that the area had been prone to floods due to poorly maintained drains.
Despite the chaos and destruction, Stephen vows to support the tenants, offering alternative premises from his holding company’s nearby building. The community’s businesses are set for a challenging recovery, needing a full clean-up including the removal of sewage, with utilities currently offline.
As Newport processes the impact of this unprecedented flooding, let’s send our thoughts to those affected, hoping for a swift recovery for the injured individual and a speedy reopening for the local businesses. Stay strong, Newport!