Indoor Air Quality Alert: Wales Flooding

  • 3 min read
  • by IQAir Staff Writers
Vehicles driving through flooded street

What is the location of the flooding?

Since 4 November 2025, heavy rainfall combined with high tides has caused severe flooding across south-west Wales, especially in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion. Rivers including the Towy, Teifi, Cothi and Ritec have burst their banks, and a severe flood warning (danger to life) is currently in place for the River Ritec at Tenby (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

The following areas are affected by the floods:

  • Carmarthenshire: The Quay in Carmarthen, Pensarn Road showroom parking, low-lying areas near Llandeilo and Abergwili beside the Towy were inundated.
  • Ceredigion: Rivers Teifi at Llechryd and Cenarth remain under flood warnings, with coastal areas of Ceredigion impacted.
  • Pembrokeshire: Tenby’s Kiln Caravan Park is under a “danger to life” warning, roads around the River Ritec closed.
  • Whitland and St Clears: Homes evacuated after the River Taf and Gronw burst banks, more than 40 properties inundated.

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

A major incident was declared in Carmarthenshire after more than 450 calls were logged in a 12-hour span. Rescue efforts included evacuating 48 residents from a retirement complex in Whitland and saving over 30 dogs from a flooded sanctuary.

Carmarthenshire County Council reports managing 175 flooding incidents, supporting 189 households and 32 businesses, and deploying multiple pumps and support crews. Roads, culverts and highways remain compromised, recovery is underway but river levels remain elevated (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

A severe flood warning remains active for the River Ritec at Tenby (danger to life). In addition, multiple flood warnings and alerts cover Welsh rivers and coasts, 17 warnings and over 40 alerts remain live. 

Evacuations and rest-centers have been established for residents in Whitland and St Clears, and schools and major roads have closed due to flooding or safety concerns (3).

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

  • Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
  • Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
  • If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
  • Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
  • Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
  • Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
  • Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
  • Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
  • If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.

Article Resources

[1] Thomas G., Pigott P. and Hoskin R. (2025, November 5). Flooding traps 28 dogs in loft as rain swells Welsh rivers. BBC.

[2] Sky News. (2025, November 5). Major incident declared in parts of Wales after flooding triggers hundreds of calls.

[3] Dalling R., Harries R., Gosley E. (2025, November 5). Flooding live updates as heavy rain closes roads and schools with Welsh rivers near bursting point. WalesOnline.

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