Residents and holidaymakers were hoping to learn whether they can return to their flood-ravaged homes and caravans after spending the night in refuge centres. A large-scale rescue operation swung into action after heavy rainfall sent water several feet deep surging through communities in west Wales. Some 150 people were rescued and evacuated to the centres as caravan parks and villages near Aberystwyth were inundated after twice as much rain fell in 24 hours than normally falls in the area in the whole of June. Police said the overall number who left their homes, including those who did not need to go to the centres, was nearer 1,000. On Saturday night a spokeswoman said: "Numbers in rest centres have fallen as people try to make their own arrangements but some people are spending the night there." Senior politicians, including Prime Minister David Cameron, paid tribute to Royal Air Force helicopter crews, fire service teams, coastguard and RNLI lifeboat crews and the emergency services who ensured there were no serious casualties. A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has spoken with Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones and Secretary of State for Wales, Cheryl Gillan, to be fully briefed on the flooding in the west of the country. Mr Cameron offered his full support to all those affected by the extreme weather and passed on his thanks to the dedication of the RAF, lifeboat crews, emergency and other local services who have worked tirelessly to make people safe and keep disruption to a minimum." An inshore lifeboat team taking part in relief efforts had to be airlifted when they got into difficulties after helping to pluck a disabled man from a flooded caravan because a Royal Air Force (RAF) helicopter was 20 minutes' flying time away. Four holiday camps along the River Lery were completely evacuated when the swollen waters breached its banks. The Secretary of State for Wales said: "This has been a very impressive operation in horrific weather conditions and with unprecedented flood levels. Those involved in the rescue mission at the caravan parks ... have acted quickly and with courage." | 
