The Brecon and Monmouthshire canal has burst its banks, sending water crashing through villagers' houses.
The Brecon and Monmouthshire canal has burst its banks, sending water crashing through villagers' houses.
Ten people were evacuated from their homes in Gilwern, near Abergavenny, after the alarm was raised at 0730 BST.
Ten people were evacuated from their homes in Gilwern, near Abergavenny, after the alarm was raised at 0730 BST.
One eyewitness described it as a "terrible scene," with water running down the hill onto a main road.
One eyewitness described it as a "terrible scene," with water running down the hill onto a main road.
Firefighters helped people to safety and all roads in the area were closed. British Waterways are putting planks in place to secure the waterway.
Firefighters helped people to safety and all roads in the area were closed. British Waterways was putting planks in place to secure the waterway.
Crews from Abergavenny and Brynmawr were called to the scene and a boat was sent from Maindee, Newport.
Crews from Abergavenny and Brynmawr were called to the scene and a boat was sent from Maindee, Newport.
Eyewitness Tony Smith said he saw two children being removed from one of the houses and that the water rose so high it was over the bonnet of his Land Rover.
Derek Latham, landlord of the Corn Exchange Inn in Gilwern, said he had helped a father and his two sons who were searching for his wife and mother- in-law.
They were found an hour later in a nearby field.
"Families have been evacuated to the local community centre in Gilwern," he said. "We believe everyone is safe."
But Mr Latham said part of a farmhouse had been washed away, leaving a "massive hole" where a cottage stood.
Another eyewitness, Tony Smith, said he saw two children being removed from one of the houses and that the water rose so high it was over the bonnet of his Land Rover.
He said another eyewitness had told him the water had gone in through the back door of one of the evacuated houses and out through the front door.
He said another eyewitness had told him the water had gone in through the back door of one of the evacuated houses and out through the front door.
Mr Smith also received a phone call from a neighbour to say he had seen a man and a child walking up the road covered in mud.
Mr Smith also received a phone call from a neighbour to say he had seen a man and a child walking up the road covered in mud.
Gwent Police advised motorists to take alternative routes and to use the A40 if possible as the A4077 between Gilwern and Llangattock was closed.
Have you been affected by the canal bursting its banks? Please send us your comments using the form below.
Have you been affected by the canal bursting its banks? Please send us your comments using the form below.
