families from a Tywyn block of flats, along with their pets, had to be evacuated from their homes after gale-force winds of up to 90mph ripped the roof off, in a “traumatic” incident that has left them temporarily homeless.

The roof was ripped off a block of three flats at Sherwood House in Tywyn on Friday, 18 February as Storm Eunice swept across the UK.

In all, 12 people and one young family from the block of flats had to take refuge in the town’s leisure centre - which was closed due to the storm.

The residents were removed safely from the building by Aberdyfi Fire & Rescue crews along with the Gwynedd Council Emergency response team, coordinated by Morwenna Edwards.

Cllr Mike Stevens said he was told of the incident at 1.20pm and went to the scene.

“ As debris and masonry were still blowing off the fire and rescue and emergency response team had to mount a rescue mission to get the residents out safely,” he told the Cambrian News.

“In all 12 people and a young family arrived at the leisure centre and were immediately given hot drinks.

“One resident had her two cats and one had their little dog.

“Cath Ellis, the area care manager with Gwynedd Council arrived with sandwiches and hot soup prepared for by the staff at Llys Cadfan residential home.

“Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones was on hand to serve the food and reassure people, everyone was in good spirits.”

Gwynedd Council building control staff went to Sherwood House to assess the damage and safety of the building, and deemed it “unsafe”, leaving residents searching for temporary accommodation. Sioned Williams of Gwynedd Council, alongside Leisure Centre manager Brian Hughes co-ordinated the effort, with some residents able to go and stay with family, and others placed in B&Bs.

On Saturday, Cllr Stevens said the building “was in a bad way”.

“It will need major repairs as not only the roof needs completely replacing but there seems structural damage to the brickwork of the building.

“One resident a couple who live on the top floor who went in this morning to get some things said they had water pouring in to their home so would probably need temporary accommodation along with their dog until the building was made water tight.

“It is a very traumatic time for all the residents but thankfully no one was hurt or injured.

“We have to thank Aberdyfi Fire and Rescue, Gwynedd Council Emergency Response, Byw’n Iach Leisure Centre staff and Llys Cadfan for their amazing response to this disaster.

“As the local councillors both myself and Anne Lloyd Jones will be fully involved ensuring the repairs take place urgently so the residents can move back safely to their homes.”