Home / Disasters and Accidents / Cornwall Recovers: Days Without Power Post-Storm
Cornwall Recovers: Days Without Power Post-Storm
13 Jan
Summary
- Almost a week after Storm Goretti, many residents still lack power, water, or phone services.
- Fallen trees block roads, disrupting travel and emergency response efforts.
- Local officials and residents call for UK government intervention due to the scale of the crisis.
Weeks after Storm Goretti battered Cornwall, significant challenges persist. Hundreds of properties in west Cornwall were still without power, and fewer than 100 faced water supply issues. Fallen trees continue to obstruct roads across the region, hindering recovery efforts and causing hazardous driving conditions. Many residents, like 86-year-old Linda Williams, have been without heating, lighting, and communication for days, relying on neighbours and alternative methods to stay warm and supplied.
The storm, which brought gusts up to 99mph and heavy rainfall, has severely impacted communities, leading to a growing sentiment that Cornwall is being overlooked. Local representatives, including MP Andrew George, have urged the UK government to declare a national emergency and provide additional resources. Council efforts are underway to clear roads and restore utilities, but the scale of damage, affecting infrastructure and natural sites like St. Michael's Mount, is immense.
While the Cabinet Office minister assured that the government cares about Cornwall, the lack of a national emergency declaration has drawn criticism. Concerns remain about the resilience of modern infrastructure, particularly internet-based phone systems, during such events. Residents and officials highlight the need for lessons to be learned to better prepare for future storms and ensure effective support for affected communities.
