BBCSouth Wales Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident in Monmouth following “widespread flooding” due to Storm Claudia.
Natural Resources Wales has imposed four severe flood warnings in the area amid concern of a “significant risk to life” with more than 40 flood alerts and warnings across Wales.
“Teams have been carrying out rescues, evacuations, welfare checks, and moving residents from affected areas to places of safety” in Monmouth, said a fire service statement.
Gwent Police, Welsh Ambulance Service and Monmouthshire council staff are also involved in the operation.
Fire service area manager Matt Jones described the flooding as “significant” and urged people to “avoid the area completely”.
“We need to keep routes clear to allow emergency services to reach the people who need us most,” he said.
“If you are in immediate danger with threat to life or property, or need urgent assistance, please call 999.”
The latest downpours came days after flooding in Carmarthen was described by one business owner as the “worst in living memory”.
The severe flood warnings cover the River Wye at Monmouth with others on the River Monnow at Watery Lane, Over Monnow; Forge Road, Osbaston; and Skenfrith.
