Floods still affecting Ireland as river levels rise again

Parts of Ireland experienced more heavy flooding on December 12, 2015 after more heavy rain battered the country. At the same time, water levels of the Shannon river system are still rising and are expected to peak over the next few days, the National Emergency Coordination Group reported.

Abundant amount of precipitation over the weekend of December 12, triggered floods in the counties of Sligo, Leitrim and Dublin area, while parts of western Ireland, in the Shannon river basin suffered the worst hit. Local media reported heavy flooding in the Corbally area of the Limerick city and parts of Athlone on the night of December 12 (local time).

The level of water flow from the Shannon river is expected to increase to 440 cubic meters per second (15 538 cubic feet per second) over the coming days, and lead to increased risk of flooding the roads and grounds of Springfield, Montpelier, Castleconnel, Mountshannon, Lisnagry and the University of Limerick.

Video credit: Eco Fact Environmental Consultants Ltd

14 homes, a secondary school and numerous cars have been overflown in the Corbally area, and the main road passage from Co. Clare into Limerick was left under water. The road has been opened to traffic, following the initial flooding, however, numerous roads in the Castleconnel area have remained closed. Homes in the Richmond Park and the area of Ardscoil Mhuire secondary school reported flooding, as well.

Over 400 homes have been cutoff the power supplies, according to the local media. Residents between Chapelizod and Islandbridge in Dublin area were urged to remove their vehicles from underground parking spots and other low-lying areas last night.

Video credit: Aervisions via YouTube

The concern about further possible flooding in Athlone still remains high, as well, according to Jim Casey from the Office of Public Works, as the water levels of Lough Ree rose for 2.5 cm (1 inch) over night. The water levels of Lough Derg, in the Limerick area have been expected to reach their maximum by December 14.

The are of Bandon in County Cork remained on high alert on December 13, as well, as the Blackwater river levels approach their peak and flood defenses are in place.

50 homes have been evacuated in the flooding events since the weekend of December 5, according John Barry, the chairman of the Coordination Group. 700 people were deployed across the country during last week and 222 members of the Defence Forces were sent to monitor different locations across Ireland on December 12.

According to Met Éireann, the rainfall will slowly move northwards from Munster and south Leinster, lashing the Atlantic coastal regions and the weather will gradually stabilize by December 14: "There will be further rainfall throughout the week but nothing of an exceptional level."

Featured image: Athlone under water, Ireland, December 11, 2015. Image credit: Aervisions via YouTube