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Widespread havoc caused by floods | Widespread havoc caused by floods |
(30 minutes later) | |
Torrential rain has been causing widespread flooding across Northern Ireland. | Torrential rain has been causing widespread flooding across Northern Ireland. |
The fire and rescue service said they were inundated with calls and have had to help people from their homes in Belfast, County Down and County Armagh. | |
NI Water said resources "had been overwhelmed" due to the scale of flooding. | |
Police warned drivers in south Belfast manhole covers had been lifted out of place and carried along by flood water. | |
The Ballygawley Road and the Cookstown area of County Tyrone were flooded. | |
Motorists were warned to take alternative routes after severe flooding on the Belfast's West Link. | Motorists were warned to take alternative routes after severe flooding on the Belfast's West Link. |
Some drivers took risks to get home | |
Part of the Shore Road on the outskirts of north Belfast was closed after floods brought down a wall. | Part of the Shore Road on the outskirts of north Belfast was closed after floods brought down a wall. |
Sporting fixtures, including several Carnegie Irish Premier Division soccer matches, have also been hit. | Sporting fixtures, including several Carnegie Irish Premier Division soccer matches, have also been hit. |
Organisers earlier had to cancel Saturday's Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod. | Organisers earlier had to cancel Saturday's Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod. |
NI Water said their personnel had received over 1,000 calls which they were dealing with along with the Rivers Agency and Roads Service. | |
A spokesperson said persistent and heavy rain following three weeks of exceptional climatic conditions had caused the flooding. | |
"No system is equipped to deal with such intense rainfall which means that systems have become overwhelmed in some areas," the spokesperson said. | |
"Staff and contractors from all 3 drainage agencies (Rivers Agency, Roads Service and NI Water) are working with the Fire and Rescue Service and are responding to all reported incidents as soon as possible. | |
"However resources have been overwhelmed due to the scale of this event. All our sympathies are with any residents affected in what is clearly a distressing experience for everyone." | |
The Northern Ireland Water helpline telephone number is 08457 440088. | |
Have you been affected by the heavy rain? If you have any pictures of flooding where you are, please send them to nipics@bbc.co.uk | |
For terms and conditions, see bbc.co.uk/terms | For terms and conditions, see bbc.co.uk/terms |