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Clean-up operation after flooding Clean-up operation after flooding
(40 minutes later)
A clean-up operation has begun across Northern Ireland, after torrential rain caused widespread flooding. A clean-up operation is under way in Northern Ireland after torrential rain caused widespread flooding.
Rivers burst their banks, bridges were washed away and numerous roads were impassable.Rivers burst their banks, bridges were washed away and numerous roads were impassable.
As much as three-quarters of the August rainfall fell on Saturday. Hundreds of homes were damaged and many people had to be rescued.As much as three-quarters of the August rainfall fell on Saturday. Hundreds of homes were damaged and many people had to be rescued.
Teams from Northern Ireland Water, the Roads Service and the Rivers Agency worked through the night.Teams from Northern Ireland Water, the Roads Service and the Rivers Agency worked through the night.
Steps at Forestside in east Belfast resemble a waterfall
The newly constructed Broadway Underpass in Belfast was at one stage under 20ft of water.The newly constructed Broadway Underpass in Belfast was at one stage under 20ft of water.
A fire engine makes its way through flood water in Belfast
A section of the central barrier had to be cut with angle-grinders to allow traffic to be turned away.A section of the central barrier had to be cut with angle-grinders to allow traffic to be turned away.
The fire service has said it is pumping 7,000 litres a minute from the underpass.The fire service has said it is pumping 7,000 litres a minute from the underpass.
It is believed there are cars stuck under the water after people fled their vehicle as the water level rose.It is believed there are cars stuck under the water after people fled their vehicle as the water level rose.
The fire service's Kevin O'Neill said it is the most severe flooding he has ever dealt with.The fire service's Kevin O'Neill said it is the most severe flooding he has ever dealt with.
"We have had all our crews out since virtually two o'clock yesterday afternoon and all through the night dealing with incidents relating to flood water," he said."We have had all our crews out since virtually two o'clock yesterday afternoon and all through the night dealing with incidents relating to flood water," he said.
"I don't think we've either seen a time when the flooding has been as devastating as this or has affected the road transport as badly.""I don't think we've either seen a time when the flooding has been as devastating as this or has affected the road transport as badly."
Flooding took place across NI, including in Ballymoney (pictured)
In Newcastle, County Down, about 80 people had to seek shelter overnight in a community centre on the seaside town's promenade.In Newcastle, County Down, about 80 people had to seek shelter overnight in a community centre on the seaside town's promenade.
Martin Todd, who is director of recreation with Down District Council said people arrived in their pyjamas and dressing gowns.Martin Todd, who is director of recreation with Down District Council said people arrived in their pyjamas and dressing gowns.
"At about two o'clock this morning, the river at the back of the caravan parks in Newcastle burst its banks and flooded a large number of caravans."At about two o'clock this morning, the river at the back of the caravan parks in Newcastle burst its banks and flooded a large number of caravans.
"The police and the coastguard evacuated people to the Newcastle Centre and the coastguard organised sleeping bags and we laid out our karate and gym mats for people to sleep on.""The police and the coastguard evacuated people to the Newcastle Centre and the coastguard organised sleeping bags and we laid out our karate and gym mats for people to sleep on."
The new Broadway underpass was under 20ft of water at one stage