The torrential flooding in Downpatrick has metaphorically torn the very jewel from the crown of the town, in the raw sentiments of a local entrepreneur.
Paul McCartan, the proprietor of two establishments in the town, finds the devastation unbearable and cries out for governmental aid. A series of towns across the counties of Down, Armagh, and Antrim have suffered due to heavy outpouring of rain.
“Just like a snap of finger, everything is gone,” McCartan lamented about his dwindling business, recollecting his four-decade-long journey on the same street. In spite of having comprehensive insurance coverage, flood damage is not included, which pushes his business in trouble. He also pointed out that the soaked premises stood little chance for drying out before the holiday season.
An additional store owner in Downpatrick, Brian Rodgers, gave a chilling description of the flood’s severity – water levels reaching chest-high on Thursday morning. Rodgers confessed that he is yet to evaluate the extent of damage incurred by his Christmas inventory, approximately valued at £150,000.
As of Thursday evening, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) announced plans to initiate operations of high-volume pumps to drain the water from Market Street, Downpatrick, subject to the lowering of river levels.
Even though floodwaters demonstrated slight increases in Downpatrick, it was noted that water levels have peaked and begun to descend from the break of dawn in Quoile River.
Lamenting the catastrophe, Colin McGrath, a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly, commented that Downpatrick was witness to “apocalyptic scenes” with nearly 25 businesses being devastated. He stressed about impending threats from the forthcoming high tide.
The unprecedented rainfall was termed as “an exceptional natural event” by DfI. Notably, the town’s bus services have been halted and parts of Portadown, County Armagh, continue to be gravely impacted. The agency confirmed that flood water continues to impede access to its Downpatrick depot and ten bus services in the town have been suspended.
Echoing McCartan’s concerns, McGrath mentioned that numerous businesses in Downpatrick are not safeguarded by flood insurance. He entreated Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to shoulder responsibility and extend a financial package for those struggling in the aftermath.
While acknowledging the condition as a devolved matter for relevant NI departments, a Northern Ireland Office spokesperson assured a close working relationship with the NI Civil Service in the coming days.
In the meantime, the Department for Communities announced emergency £1,000 payments towards domestic properties impacted by the flooding.
A prediction from a DfI spokesperson indicates it might take another 24 hours before water levels could feasibly decrease in Market Street, citing the need for a decrease in river and its tributary water levels for significant progress.
In the wake of the flood, the Newcastle Road in Kilkeel, County Down has been declared off-limits owing to serious structural damages. Paul Sloane, a local resident, expressed concern over vehicles neglecting the roadblock signs, thus worsening the road condition and causing disruption.
The flooding has cornered the community in Kilkeel, as communicated by local council member Michael Rice. He articulated the rising frustration amongst the town folk who feel underserved in terms of support, as compared to other areas.
Taking a perspective on Portadown, the situation seems grim as flood waters sway streets and homes. Individuals are stranded and rely on volunteers for their basic needs. In an unfortunate turn of events, Annagh United’s football pitch has been completely submerged. The damage is irreversible and is menacing not just for the club, but for the whole community who utilized the facilities regularly.
Speaking about the havoc, Rodney Watson from Watson Autos, narrates his experience of recovering more than 20 vehicles marooned in the flooding within a span of 24 hours.
More than 13,000 calls have been registered with the Flooding Incident Line since Monday, with a similar number of sandbags deployed. Eligible homeowners who have suffered significant inconvenience due to indoor flooding can potentially avail a £1,000 payment through the Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) via their local councils.
In conclusion, the department has advised public to adhere to road closure guidelines until the roads are deemed suitable for traffic following the flood conditions.
