How you can help the flood victims of Storm Dennis

The extreme weather brought by Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis has passed, but it is thought the destruction will take months to clear up.

Thousands of people suffered from unprecedented flooding across the country after sustained heavy rain caused exceptionally high river levels.

Staff members cleaning outside the Celtic Flooring store, which has been damaged by floodwater in Nantgarw Credit: PA Images

Towns like Pontypridd and Crickhowell were left submerged in water after rivers burst their banks in various areas.

Through the worst of the storm, many people have been trying to help those affected by sodden homes and ruined businesses.

Here are a few of the ways you can help:

  • All Wales

Hollywood actor Michael Sheen started a fundraising campaign on Wednesday evening aimed at helping all communities affected by the floodwaters of Storm Dennis.

The campaign smashed its initial target of £10,000 in just 24 hours, and has now raised nearly £30,000 from over 1,000 donors.

The star, who grew up in Port Talbot, said on Thursday: "The power of community is incredible, and it is highlighted during times such as these.

"So many people in Wales have been affected by these floods, and I have decided to increase our goal to ensure that we are in a place to be there for those in need of support."

  • Pontypridd and Nantgarw

Pontypridd town centre on Sunday morning Credit: Rob Osborne ITV

In Treforest, Pontyrpidd, a community centre is collecting everything from buckets to biscuits.

On their Facebook page, they said: "We are extremely busy and are now in need of biscuits, mops, mop buckets, washing conditioners, washing powders/tablets, shampoo and foods that can be made using only a kettle.

"Please if you can spare any of the above please please bring them as soon as possible to the centre.

"For anyone still wanting to donate we are in need of mops and mop buckets.

"We are still not accepting any more clothes, housewares, toys, bedding etc

"But we will take cleaning products and dry foods (non perishables)

Details: Treforest Community CentreDan y Bryn RoadPontypriddCF37 1AD

The MP for Pontypridd, Alex Davies-Jones, has also set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for people in the constituency, which has so far raised nearly £25,000.

Rock band Manic Street Preachers have donated £3000, while Line of Duty star Vicky McClure and her partner Jonny Owen have donated £500.

  • Llanhilleth

Llanhilleth Miners Institute is also taking in donations to distribute to the local community

The Llanhilleth Miners Institute is accepting donations.

It said: "For those residents affected by flooding we have plenty of food available for collection and we do not require further food donations at this time.

"Donations of toiletries, towels, clothing and cleaning materials are still welcome and can be dropped off at the Institute."

Details: Llanhilleth Miners InstituteAbertilleryBlaenau GwentNP13 2JT

  • Aberdulais

Many have had to get rid of their belongings after they were destroyed by flood water and sewage

Donations of food, clothes, cleaning supplies, baby formula and household supplies are being collected in Aberdulais.

Donations can be made every day between 7.00pm and 11.00pm, Friday 2.00pm to midnight and Sunday 10.30am to 10.30pm. The centre is closed on Saturday.

Details: Royal British LegionCanalsideAberdulaisSA10 8ET

  • Rhondda

Places across the Rhondda, like Trehafod and Treorchy, were badly hit and thousands of pounds have been raised to help those affected.

Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood, who represents the Rhondda in the National Assembly for Wales, said: “The way communities in the Rhondda have pulled together, in adversity, to help those in need, has been absolutely astounding.”

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has a number of grants and funds available for those affected by the floods, including business, and those who need damaged household goods collected.

It has also launched the largest ever food donation appeal. The council is calling on local supermarkets, businesses and residents to donate non-perishable items to provide food parcels to homes affected by flooding.

Donations for RCT Council’s food appeal can be dropped off at any of the Council’s libraries, or at the following council sites:

  • Clydach Vale

  • Ty Trevithick

  • Ty Elai

  • Llys Cadwyn (only on Wednesday February 26th)

Chris Bryant MP, who represents the area in Westminster, started a funding page online that has already raised more than £13,000 towards the cost of the cleanup.

A Facebook group called: South Wales Flood Relief Donations Group is acting as a forum for people to donate items like toys, fridges and sofas as well as advice about housing, council tax and how to dry out homes.

In Trehafod, a charity called toogoodtowaste have been collecting donated items of furniture and delivering them to people who have lost their possessions in the flood.

And in Pentre, the Canolfan Pentre community hubis offering food, cleaning products, sanitary products and advice to anyone struggling.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has issued a warning, however, following a number of reports of people receiving unsolicited calls or online activity asking for flood relief donations.

The advice is to always ask for identification, and to confirm the legitimacy of anyone collecting or asking for donations.