Pennal residents evacuated due to flood risk
10/06/2012
North Wales Police officers are evacuating
residents from the village of Pennal, near Machynlleth, Powys
following a slight breach in the dam of a local reservoir which has
caused a small amount of water to escape.
The residents are being transported to
Machynlleth Leisure centre. Staff from the local councils,
representatives from the local water board, North Wales Fire and
Rescue Service and officers from North Wales Police are at the
scene working to stabilise the situation.
At this current time it is thought that the
breach may have been caused by a landslide.
Superintendent Andy Jenks -Gilbert, explained:
“The evacuation is taking place as a precautionary measure.
“The water is flowing over the top of the
reservoir stone wall into a quarry below which has the Afon Pennal
running through it. A crack has been discovered in the wall,
causing a small amount of water to escape. Should be wall be
completely breached, the contents of the reservoir will go into the
river which flows through the village of Pennal , which is around ½
a mile from the reservoir.
“Police officers are evacuating residents in
the area and would ask visitors and locals to avoid the village at
this current time."