After a weekend of heavy rain and flooding the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for counties Antrim, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone.
It’s feared that the floods and chaos which hit Fermanagh and Tyrone could sweep east as Storm Desmond hits again this afternoon. Up to 20mm of rain is expected to fall in parts and the emergency services are bracing themselves for a repeat of the torrential rain over the past two days which saw 24 people rescued and 31 serious incidents of flooding.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has laid out details of assistance available to those already affected and those who may be hit by this afternoon’s expected heavy rain.
“Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible,” he said.
“I realise that it's not just homes but businesses and community buildings which can be damaged from severe flooding. That's why I'm working to try to have the scheme extended so these premises can also apply for emergency financial assistance. It is not a compensation payment.”
