Fresh fears of further flooding have emerged across parts of Armagh and Portadown as the Met Office issues a new weather warning for heavy rain, just days after communities were left devastated by deluges earlier this week.
A yellow weather warning will come into effect from midnight on Friday and remain in place until 6pm, covering the entirety of Northern Ireland. Forecasters warn that further heavy rainfall could lead to renewed flooding, particularly in areas where ground conditions remain saturated and river levels are already high.
The warning has caused deep concern in Armagh City and Portadown, both of which were badly hit earlier this week when swollen rivers burst their banks.
In Armagh, parts of the city centre were inundated after the River Callan overflowed, while Portadown and Banbridge suffered similar flooding as water spilled from the River Bann.
As of Thursday evening, water levels in Lough Neagh and along the River Bann were again on the rise, increasing the risk of further flooding if heavy rain materialises as forecast.
In Portadown, precautionary preparations are now in place should evacuations be required in a number of vulnerable areas, including Park Road, Ashgrove Road, The Beeches and Rose Cottages.
Sinn Féin councillors Paul Duffy and Clare McConville Walker have been on the ground assisting residents, helping to distribute sandbags and checking on those living in at-risk locations. They have also been working closely with council officers, the Department for Infrastructure and the Housing Executive to monitor conditions as the situation develops.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to remain vigilant, keep an eye on conditions around their homes and report any flooding or concerns as soon as possible so support can be provided quickly if required. People are also being asked to look out for neighbours who may need additional assistance.
The renewed threat comes as communities across Upper Bann are still counting the cost of severe flooding earlier this week, which caused widespread damage to homes, businesses and community facilities.
Among the worst affected was Donacloney Mill Cricket Club, where rising floodwaters submerged the pitch and facilities. Alderman Mark Baxter described the scenes as “absolutely devastating”, warning that the full extent of the damage will not be known until water levels fully recede.
“The ground and facilities are completely flooded and the true impact on the club won’t be known until the water fully subsides,” he said. “What we can say already is that this is a huge blow to a club that means so much to our local community.”
He added that his thoughts were with the volunteers, players and supporters now facing “an anxious wait and a big clean-up ahead”, and urged the public to stay away from affected areas while flooding persists.
Meanwhile, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Finance Minister to urgently release emergency financial assistance for businesses badly impacted by the flooding.
A number of businesses across towns and villages were left under water, with stock and equipment destroyed and premises badly damaged. Ms Lockhart said many business owners reported there were no sandbags available when flooding struck and no immediate access to meaningful financial support.
“This is a deeply worrying situation for businesses in our towns and villages,” she said. “These are family-run enterprises, local employers and the backbone of our communities, and they have been left completely exposed.”
While welcoming the opening of a domestic support scheme through councils for affected households, she warned that the absence of a parallel scheme for businesses could put their survival at risk.
“These businesses are not asking for sympathy. They are asking for practical, timely help,” she said. “Immediate financial support is needed now to help them recover and keep their doors open.”
With further heavy rain forecast, residents across Armagh and Portadown are being urged to stay informed, take precautions where possible and follow updates as the situation continues to unfold.
