Storm Bert - Minister thanks agencies involved

Storm Bert brought disruption across the North as over half of the average monthly rainfall fell in some areas over the weekend.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said:

"Around 250 staff from my Department responded to over 600 calls for assistance across a wide geographical area over the weekend, dealing with the impacts of Storm Bert. Working alongside our multi-agency partners, they worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to respond and minimise disruption. This was a multi-weather event which brought wind, rain and melting snow causing fallen trees and flooding issues.

"My Department distributed approximately 3000 sandbags and worked through the weekend to clear debris to help flood waters to get away. This work did not just start when the storm arrived - proactive culvert screen maintenance work was undertaken by staff prior to the event and existing flood alleviation schemes prevented flooding in many areas. This preventative work contributed to hundreds of homes being protected.

"Multi-agency partners met continuously over the weekend to coordinate the response to the incidents, clearing essential infrastructure and monitoring water levels to reduce the risk of flooding to homes.

"Much work, which is often unseen, was instrumental in protecting communities across the North. In the West, pumping was carried out at several locations, including Omagh, due to rising river levels with staff monitoring water levels through the night, until the threats had subsided.

"Community Resilience Groups were kept up to date with weather patterns so that they could make appropriate preparations. I want to particularly thank the members of these groups who gave up their time freely, to work in the community to help prepare for and respond to weather emergencies.

"I realise that despite this work, due to the enormity of rain and other hazards, not all homes could be protected, and my thoughts are with those affected. As with every flooding event, the Department will now review all areas impacted by this weekend's flooding to see if there is anything we can do to strengthen resilience in those areas."

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.

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: [email protected].
2. The Executive Information Service operates and out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800 hours and 0800 hours Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DFILinkedIn.

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