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Executive responds to city floods Ministers meet over city floods
(about 1 hour later)
Executive ministers are expected to meet later to decide how best to respond to severe flooding across Northern Ireland. Executive ministers have met to decide how best to respond to Tuesday's severe flooding across Northern Ireland.
A clean-up operation is continuing with many families having to spend the night in temporary accommodation. Most of those affected live in east Belfast.A clean-up operation is continuing with many families having to spend the night in temporary accommodation. Most of those affected live in east Belfast.
The Fire and Rescue Service received almost 400 emergency calls while NI Water took almost 2,000 calls.The Fire and Rescue Service received almost 400 emergency calls while NI Water took almost 2,000 calls.
At least seven homes were struck by lightning during the storm.At least seven homes were struck by lightning during the storm.
Strandtown and Lisnasharragh Primary Schools in east Belfast will remain closed on Wednesday as a result of the bad weather.Strandtown and Lisnasharragh Primary Schools in east Belfast will remain closed on Wednesday as a result of the bad weather.
The deputy chair of the assembly's regional development committee, the DUP's Jim Wells, told Radio Ulster's Nolan Show some houses had been built in areas with a history of flooding.
"This is historical, this is houses built maybe 100 years ago in areas where today they would not be allowed because of the flooding," Mr Wells said.
"Therefore no matter how much money you throw at these problems they're insolvable because of the low-lying nature of the land."
William Duddy from Northern Ireland Water said the extent of the flooding was exceptional and overwhelmed rivers, roads and the sewerage system.William Duddy from Northern Ireland Water said the extent of the flooding was exceptional and overwhelmed rivers, roads and the sewerage system.
"No sewerage system in the world is designed to cope with the kind of conditions we had yesterday," he said."No sewerage system in the world is designed to cope with the kind of conditions we had yesterday," he said.
The Avoniel Leisure Centre re-opened at 0900 BST in an attempt to help residents of east Belfast who were severely affected by the flooding.The Avoniel Leisure Centre re-opened at 0900 BST in an attempt to help residents of east Belfast who were severely affected by the flooding.
On Tuesday evening 13 people registered at the centre.On Tuesday evening 13 people registered at the centre.
FLOODS HAVE YOUR SAY If more work is required on the sewers, this requires more funding, anywhere else in the UK that means bigger water bills! John, Belfast Click here to join the debateFLOODS HAVE YOUR SAY If more work is required on the sewers, this requires more funding, anywhere else in the UK that means bigger water bills! John, Belfast Click here to join the debate
More than 30 people were rescued after torrential rain caused widespread flooding in many areas.More than 30 people were rescued after torrential rain caused widespread flooding in many areas.
Connswater Shopping Centre had to close after water poured through ceiling vents.Connswater Shopping Centre had to close after water poured through ceiling vents.
Strandtown Primary School and police station were also flooded.Strandtown Primary School and police station were also flooded.
Other areas affected were Magherafelt, Lisburn, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon.Other areas affected were Magherafelt, Lisburn, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon.
The Fire and Rescue Service has advised anyone with water in their premises to turn off the electricity at the mains.The Fire and Rescue Service has advised anyone with water in their premises to turn off the electricity at the mains.
East Belfast was particularly affected by the downpourEast Belfast was particularly affected by the downpour
A spokesperson for Connswater Shopping Centre said no serious damage was caused. The centre reopened later.A spokesperson for Connswater Shopping Centre said no serious damage was caused. The centre reopened later.
About 80 residents at Towell House old people's home on the King's Road in east Belfast had to vacate the building after it was badly damaged by flood water.About 80 residents at Towell House old people's home on the King's Road in east Belfast had to vacate the building after it was badly damaged by flood water.
Meanwhile, rainwater leaked into the third and fourth floors of Parliament Buildings at Stormont.Meanwhile, rainwater leaked into the third and fourth floors of Parliament Buildings at Stormont.
Deputy Speaker John Dallat told MLAs the flooding may have damaged the building's fire alarm system causing it to be activated by accident.Deputy Speaker John Dallat told MLAs the flooding may have damaged the building's fire alarm system causing it to be activated by accident.
Floating carsFloating cars
It was also reported that cars were seen floating down Ladas Drive and Channing Street, off the Castlereagh Road.It was also reported that cars were seen floating down Ladas Drive and Channing Street, off the Castlereagh Road.
The Ormeau Road, Annadale Embankment, the Newtownards Road, the Ravenhill Road and the Somerton Road in the north of the city were also affected.The Ormeau Road, Annadale Embankment, the Newtownards Road, the Ravenhill Road and the Somerton Road in the north of the city were also affected.
Park Road in south Belfast was badly hitPark Road in south Belfast was badly hit
Outside Belfast, the Knockmore Campus of Lisburn Institute had to close after the building became waterlogged.Outside Belfast, the Knockmore Campus of Lisburn Institute had to close after the building became waterlogged.
All classes at the institute have been suspended for the remainder of the week.All classes at the institute have been suspended for the remainder of the week.
Heavy flooding also caused major congestion on the roads around Omagh.Heavy flooding also caused major congestion on the roads around Omagh.
A branch of Dunnes Stores in the town had to be evacuated after the building became flooded.A branch of Dunnes Stores in the town had to be evacuated after the building became flooded.