Storm Chandra: Department for Infrastructure say staff dealt with over 1000 incidents
The Department for Infrastructure has outlined how staff dealt with over 1000 incidents as a result of Storm Chandra and the additional ice and rain warnings throughout this week.
In an update, the Department also revealed that staff addressed over 600 reports of flooding and over 360 obstructions on the road network across a wide geographical area.
It added that staff have been out on the ground clearing drainage infrastructure, removing trees and obstructions from roads, carrying out pumping exercises, deploying sand bags, erecting flood barriers in Newry City Centre and at Oxford Island and also carried out gritting across the road network.
Furthermore, Rivers teams are continuing to monitor river and lough levels and there are no immediate concerns.
The main strategic road network and the majority of other roads have been cleared and are open.
Staff will remain on stand by this weekend to continue with the clear up operation, restock sandbag supplies and deal with any further reports of incidents
Residential properties that have flooded internally and continue to be exposed to frequent flooding, can apply for the Homeowner Flood Protection Scheme. The scheme is intended to modify homes to make them more resistant to flooding through measures such as flood doors, airbrick covers, and non-return valves to underground drains.
The Department will continue to work with other response agencies and local government as part of the multi-agency response as repair and clean-up work continues.
The public are being urged to continue to exercise caution when driving, reduce your speed due to the possibility of surface water and obstructions and avoid driving through flood water. Please adhere to any temporary road signs or lights put in place to keep you and other road users safe.
Communities should remain vigilant and report any further incidents via the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.