CONNEMARA WAS hit by devastating flooding yesterday after a night of heavy rainfall caused rivers to burst its banks.
In Clifden, Connemara, shocking footage showed the waters of the Owenglin river surging through the town following a Status Yellow rainfall warning.
Many homes were evacuated as the river burst its banks and caused severe flooding in some areas, with the Low Road and horse showgrounds beside the river completely submerged in up to four feet of water.
Parts of Connemara are very badly flooded. The fire Brigade are working hard to keep everyone safe. Please do not put yourself in harms way. Please drive carefully and stay clear of flooded areas if you can.
Posted by Connemara Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, 2 September 2020
Speaking on RTÉ News at One, local man Brian Hughes, who is the manager of the Abbeyglan Castle Hotel, said yesterday that he had "never seen the likes of it before".
"It's just terrible," he told the outlet. "Absolutely awful.
"We've never seen our local river flood like this ever. I've lived in Clifden my whole life, I've never seen the likes of it before.
"It's been the most horrendous year," he admitted. "We're doing our best to keep going and stay positive and try to look after customers, but it's so difficult."
Serious water in Clifden this morning after last nights rain. #Clifden #Connemara #HurricaneLaura #Ireland pic.twitter.com/qCjfxSJUzi
— Michael Coyne 🇺🇦 Micheál Ó Cadhain (@CoynesGastropub) September 2, 2020
The emergency services were on the scene yesterday to deal with the flooding and help evacuate people from their homes, many of which were completely devastated by the shock floods.
Those whose homes have been affected by the flooding are eligible for Humanitarian Assistance Scheme support, and staff from the local Department of Social Protection were on the scene yesterday to help provide support.
Drove into Clifden for some supplies. They’ve since closed all the roads. One elderly local said he has never seen anything like the flooding today. pic.twitter.com/uI6KjkyoSZ
— Jean Wallace (@jeanwallace17) September 2, 2020
The floodwaters have now mostly receded, and local Senator Seán Kyne confirmed he has contacted the Office of Public Works to "examine the root cause of this damaging flooding and carry out works as necessary" to prevent a similar disaster from occurring.
