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Hidden underwater village seen for first time in 40 years as lake dries up
Featured Image Credit: Phil Blagg Photography
A previously hidden underwater village has been uncovered after Britain’s latest heatwave dried up the lake where it was submerged.
The village of Llanwddyn was seen for the first time in over 40 years as Lake Vyrnwy in Powys, Wales, evaporated to only 60 percent full. At this time of year, the reservoir is expected to be at around 90 percent capacity.
The picturesque location of this hidden village is in the centre of Wales, on the edge of the popular Snowdonia National Park. Llanwdynn was seen recently for the first time since an intense drought in 1976.
As a result of a recent barren spell, the foundations of old buildings, including houses, were re-discovered. Locals were also surprised to see old stone walls and even an old bridge.
History shows the village of Llanwdynn was quite unique. Villagers were forced to leave their homes in 1880 as the local authority wanted to construct a new reservoir. The aim was for the water in this new reservoir to supply the city of Liverpool, more than 100 miles north of the village.
Authorities got their way, with homes and even the village’s old church being demolished. Other parts of buildings eventually sank, paving way for the new dam to be constructed. The first stone for the reservoir was laid by the Earl of Powis in 1881, marking the start of a huge undertaking.
Apparently, around 1,000 men worked on building the new reservoir. A few homes were also built around the new water level. The reservoir was completed in 1888, and the valley surrounding it was flooded with water in 1989.
However, the recent heatwave has allowed the village to re-emerge after so many years.
It is hoped a heavy rainfall is coming later this week in the region that will allow Lake Vyrnwy to increase closer to the 90 percent capacity it should be around this time of year. Last year’s figures show the reservoir dropped to 77 percent at its lowest, an astonishing 17 percent higher than what it is currently.
Wales recently record its hottest day ever with the Met Office. On July 18, Gogerddan near Aberystwyth recorded a record 35.3°C. England beat that record with 40.3°C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire last month. Meanwhile, Scotland’s highest temperature recorded by the Met Office is 34.8°C in Charterhall on the Scottish borders.
