Flooding at Whitehouse outside Derry last night. Pic by Daniel O’Donnell
SINN Féin MP Elisha McCallion has praised the efforts of the emergency services, statutory agencies and members of the public who helped people affected by widespread flash flooding across the North West caused by extreme rainfall last night.
She also urged people whose homes have been damaged by flooding should immediately apply for the £1000 payment from the Department of Communities to help with clean-up costs.
More than 100 people had to be rescued aftter being trapped by overnight flooding.
The north west was worst affected, particularly Derry.
Firefighters rescued 93 people who were trapped by flood water in their cars or homes. At one point, the fire service got an emergency call every 45 seconds.
The Foyle MP said “I would like pay tribute to everyone who helped in anyway during the flash flooding which affected a wide area across the North West.
“There are many stories emerging of people who were selfless in helping friends, neighbours or complete strangers in their hour of need.
“Some of the scenes of destruction during the peak of the rainfall were frightening.
“Many people are waking up to scenes of devastation around their homes and businesses. People have lost their family cars and work vans.
“Many roads particularly in the rural areas are affected by subsidence, trees are down and roads are impassable.
“Its important that all resources are provided to get these roads open again and help families and businesses directly affected by the floods.
“Early this morning, my office was able to secure confirmation that an emergency fund has been opened by the Department of the Communities providing up to £1000 to help with clean-up costs and I would urge people to apply as soon as possible.
“Clearly there are serious areas of concern as to how this emergency was handled by some of the agencies responsible, including access to sandbags in the Derry area during the peak of the flooding.
“We intend to raise these issues in the coming days but for the time being the focus should be on helping those in need and trying to get our infrastructure back up and running.”
