ABC Council has said it is doing “everything possible to assist” in the aftermath of floods which have left large parts of the borough under water.
It comes as Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it has responded to 164 “flood-related incidents” since Monday.
As many roads remain closed and large parts of the borough are completey submerged, ABC Council has confirmed its emergency response is continuing.
The local authority is also urging people to be mindful when travelling or visiting any of the areas impacted by flooding.
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The public are being advised to stay away from flood defences, flooded areas and watercourses, as these areas remain unsafe, to take notice of cordons and signage and to use paths and trails that are accessible.
Lord Mayor Margaret Tinsley said: “This is a deeply distressing time for many of our residents and businesses, with unprecedented flooding impacting large parts of the borough.
“I want to assure everyone impacted that the council is doing everything possible to assist with the emergency response.”
“Council officers have been working through the night and continuously over the past few days as part of the multiagency response to the flooding situation, assisting elected members, the Department for Infrastructure, PSNI, and the Trust.
“Council vehicles and officers are supporting drainage agencies in the prioritised deployment of sandbags and are being directed to those areas of immediate need.”
Flooding in Banbridge
Householders are also being advised that the Emergency Payment scheme for flooding is now active.
Residents who have suffered severe impact can claim a £1,000 payment. To avail of this support and assistance they must report the incident to the Floodline on 0300 2000 100 or contact the council by email at ehealth@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Business support for non-domestic and commercial properties is available through a rate relief scheme, with more information on how to access this support available on www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon/servicedisruption
Council is continuing to advise the public and businesses that all flood and sandbag enquiries should continue to be directed to the Flooding Incident Line number 0300 2000 100.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service says it is still responding to incidents across the province following a third day of challenging weather conditions.
Firefighters are continuing to deal with a number of water related incidents, including flooding, water rescues, water in electrics and animal rescues.
NIFRS is reminding the public that in the event of serious flooding to phone the NI Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100. If there is a risk to life dial 999 immediately.
Photo by Tracy Lockhart
Giving an update as of late afternoon on Wednesday, a spokesperson revealed that NIFRS Specialist Rescue Team, Flood Response Teams and local crews attended 75 flood related incidents which involved rescuing five people who had entered water, 31 people from vehicles in water and 12 from flooded properties, including attending eight animal rescue incidents and seven water in electrics incidents.
This covered the period from 6pm on Monday until 1pm today (Wednesday).
There had been a total of 384 emergency calls, with 162 of these calls being flood related incidents.
NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said: “Our firefighters and multi-agency partners have been working in extremely challenging, adverse weather conditions over the last few days. I would like to emphasise that we remain in the response phase of this incident and are continuing to receive emergency 999 calls for assistance.
“I want to reassure the public that our contingency plans remain in place and we are continuing to respond should you need us in an emergency.
“I would like to pay credit to our local crews, Specialist Rescue Team, Flood Response Teams, control room operators, supervisory officers and support staff, all of whom have responded to support our operational response and enhanced resilience arrangements.
“I would also like to thank the public for supporting us during this critical time and ask that they continue to adhere to the public safety messaging and avoid flooded areas. Please act safely and be responsible and vigilant and follow our safety advice.”
NIFRS is reminding everyone of the following safety advice:
- Motorists should be aware of road conditions. It takes longer to stop when the road conditions are wet. Drive at the speed the conditions allow for, such as flooding and darkness.
- Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. Water is often deeper than it looks and your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.
- In shallow but passable water, motorists should avoid creating bow waves which can damage your car engine and remember to test the brakes after leaving the water.
- Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers, such as open drains, damaged road surfaces and submerged debris.
- People should pay attention to the road closure advice as many roads are closed because of flood conditions which are not suitable for traffic.
- Please stay away from flood defences, flooded areas and watercourses as these areas may be unsafe until an assessment of the damaged caused by the heavy rain can be made.
- More information and advice can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk.
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