COUNCIL chiefs have described the hard task they had dealing with the flood chaos on Ceredigion’s roads on Sunday.

The extent of the flooding was the worst experienced by motorists and residents for many years, if not the worst ever.

And many people have been left wondering why the flooding was so bad.

The council said workers reacted promptly and worked around the clock after an initial weather warning that was received at 11am.

It has county and regional plans in place that are implemented, by working with partner organisations, when an incident occurs.

An Incident Response Arrangement was already established when the first flood warning was received from Natural Resources Wales.

Rhodri Llwyd, Highways Services group manager, said: “Sunday was a very busy day for us dealing with all the requests, especially between 3pm and 6pm.

"Five crews were out in the north of the county and three in the south where they were out clearing roads, ensuring safety to those travelling, as well as voluntary distributing sand bags, as well as extra staff called in to aid with the significant number of calls that were received within a few hours.”

The council said the supply of sandbags is a voluntary service and the council cannot guarantee to deliver sandbags at all sites that might need them.

At times of high flood risk, the council said it endeavours to deliver sandbags to occupied properties at imminent risk when requested.

Mr Llwyd added: “It’s a hard task to work in such conditions. One of the most important issues for us was to ensure the safety of those travelling on Ceredigion roads, as well as the staff working to ease issues.

"That meant closing the A4159 between Lovesgrove and Bow Street for a time, the B4337 at Talsarn and later the A44 between Lovesgrove and Aberystwyth.”

Cllr Ray Quant, deputy leader of Ceredigion County Council and Cabinet member responsible for technical services, said: “It’s a difficult time for everyone when rainfall is as heavy as it was on Sunday and it was a hard task for the infrastructure to cope.

"Sunday’s weather has tested the resources within the council, but we thank the staff for working tirelessly to ensure Ceredigion residents were safe.”

Residents and businesses who know that they are located in flood risk areas are encouraged to take measures to protect their properties in readiness for the event of floods.

Resources can then be directed towards the protection of vulnerable people during severe flood risk events.

Cllr Quant said: “During this incident, we saw many people prepared for flooding, especially those who live in low-lying areas that are at risk of flooding.

"It is recommended that those who were not prepared this time, and who think they may be affected in future, to act now, in readiness for any such weather in the future. Floodgates and sandbags can be prepared before-hand and used promptly if the risk of flood arises.”

Council chief executive Eifion Evans said: "The rainfall was much heavier than expected on Sunday.

"The standard out-of-hours provision consists of two duty officers - one in the north of the county and another in the south.

"There are also two 24/7 response crews - again one covering the north of the county and another in the south.

"But due to flooding that affected areas across the county, staff were called in and eventually we had 30 members of staff making sure that disruption was kept to a minimum and that the people of Ceredigion were kept safe.

"The staff who were called in didn't have to come in when asked to, but they answered the call none the less.

"I'm very grateful that the council can rely on such a dedicated workforce that can be called-in at a moment's notice to carry out essential work. They worked very hard."

Council leader Ellen ap Gwynn added: "I am very proud to see members of the council staff giving up their time and working hard in aid of others.

"This was a tremendous effort especially as all involved are back in work today, dedicated to doing their day job."

Andrea Winterton, the duty tactical manager for Natural Resources Wales, said a range of flood warnings had been in place, but the situation had since eased.

She said: "Over the weekend, flood warnings were issued for communities on the River Leri at Talybont, Borth, Ceulan and Dolybont.

"Warnings were also issued for low-lying areas of the river Rheidol at Aberystwyth and the Ystwyth - there were also various flood alerts in place in the area.

"Our teams have been monitoring the situation and river levels are now falling.

"We encourage everyone in areas at risk of flooding to register for our flood alerts and warnings by contacting Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and check our website for the latest updates."