FLASH FLOODING IN Ireland’s north-west has caused extensive damage, destroying bridges, roads and houses, as well as leaving thousands of homes without power.
A month’s worth of rain fell in the space of a few hours, resulting in severe conditions in Donegal and Derry as roads closed and flights were cancelled.
AA Roadwatch is reporting that a number of roads remain closed due to the damage. In Donegal, these roads include:
In Derry, the A5 is closed between Strabane and the top deck of Craigavon Bridge in Derry City. The Dromahoe road is closed at the bridge at Three Mile House.
Serious flooding in central parts of Derry City tonight. Video by @centralbarderry pic.twitter.com/pjyQA3lFmy
— Barra Best (@barrabest) August 22, 2017
The A2 also remains closed at Eglinton between the Airfield roundabout and Broadbridge roundabout.
Local councillor Martin McDermott told Donegal’s Highland Radio of the “serious devastation” to roads the flooding had caused, praising emergency services.
Farmers have lost animals, he said, describing it as a “miracle” that no serious injuries occurred.
People were rescued from vehicles caught in the flooding last night, with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) responding to 60 flood reports between 7pm and 11pm.
Met Eireann reports that tonight will be mainly dry in the area, but with a few showers expected.
Northern Ireland’s Department of Communities has confirmed that a scheme offering emergency financial assistance to those affected by the flooding in Derry is to be made available by councils.
Wow! Landslide at Near Muff in County Donegal. Video by Sinead Quigley. pic.twitter.com/WpFwZkT2xm
— Barra Best (@barrabest) August 22, 2017
Government chief whip Joe McHugh, a Donegal TD, said that the flooding in the county will be treated as a “priority case”.
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