A clean-up operation is continuing this morning following severe flooding in Cork.
Hundreds of homes and businesses suffered damage when Storm Babet passed over the south of the country yesterday.
People were forced to wade through chest-high flood water in Midleton after a month's rain fell in just over 24 hours.
Midleton Main St. Shocking.
Major impact on local residents & businesses. pic.twitter.com/XT4BFC38Dj— Cllr. Liam Quaide (@LiamQuaide) October 18, 2023
More than 100 properties in the town have been flooded, while the town's Community Centre is hosting people who have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Glanmire also suffered extreme flooding, with the town effectively closed off on Wednesday due to the level of the flood waters.
Flooding on the Mill Road, Midleton #StormBabet @CorksRedFM pic.twitter.com/u654DV2FwR
— RedFM News (@RedFMNews) October 18, 2023
The floods hit numerous towns and villages in Cork and Waterford, and it is expected the clean-up will take weeks and could cost millions.
Officials in Cork have said they did “not expect” Storm Babet would lead to such severe flooding.
Clean up underway in Rathcormac following today’s flooding. pic.twitter.com/23MvzhzKll
— RedFM News (@RedFMNews) October 18, 2023
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has opened the €10m Humanitarian Assistance Scheme for home and business owners impacted by the floods.
It provides income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
Humanitarian Assistance Scheme
On Wednesday, Minister Humphreys said other areas may also need help.
"I'm very conscious that Storm Babet is causing severe flooding and disruption, particularly in the Midleton area of Cork," she said.
"Other parts of the county and indeed country may also be affected until the storm passes.
"My department is liaising on the ground with the people affected to make sure they have access to the help that they need.
"The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is open and support is available," she added.
UK on alert
As Storm Babet moves away from Ireland, the UK is bracing itself for potential impacts.
Some schools there will close and people are being told to stay at home.
The UK Met Office has issued a red warning for rain in eastern Scotland, as well as amber and yellow warnings for wind and rain in other areas.
Any homeowner affected by Storm Babet can access these supports by contacting the Community Welfare Service on 0818-60-70-80
Reporting by Jamie O'Hara
