Non Published

Record Flooding Panics Irish

Heavy rain caused record flooding in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The whole Shannon watershed was affected along with border lying areas and the Lough Neagh-Bann catchment. In many areas this was the most serious flood event ever recorded. In this exercise SAFER has facilitated a cross-border action involving the river authorities, the Office of Public Works and the Rivers Agency, Republic and Northern Ireland respectively, to promote the GMES Emergency Response Service and the use of satellite imagery in managing flooding and its effects.

Floods are a natural and inevitable part of life in Ireland. They are usually caused by a combination of events including overflowing river banks, coastal storms or blocked or overloaded drainage ditches. Numerous severe floods have occurred throughout the country in the last decade. Since the impacts of flooding are so devastating it is important that people whose properties are at risk take appropriate action to resist flooding.