Rescue efforts underway in Newcastle and Maghera due to flooding

By Q Radio News

A number of people have been rescued from their homes, due to flooding in Newcastle,County Down.

The alarm was raised in the Bryansford Avenue area earlier the incident is ongoing.

Storm Francis is wreaking havoc across Northern Ireland, with fallen trees and high winds causing widespread disruption.

A rescue effort is also underway at a house in Maghera, after a number of people became trapped due to rising water.

We are currently dealing with several flooding icidents in the Bryansford area of Newcastle. Our Specialist Rescue Team, Flooding Rescue Team and local crews are in attendance. The Flooding Incident Line number is 0300 2000 100. More information will follow. pic.twitter.com/xSYUOq4F9S

— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) August 25, 2020

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said:

“We are currently dealing with significant flooding in the Bryansford Avenue of Newcastle.  Our Specialist Rescue Team, Flood Response Teams and local Crews are in attendance.

A number of people have been rescued from their homes and the response is ongoing. 

“Our Flood Response Team and 2 Fire Crews are also in attendance at a flooding incident in Maghera to help rescue a number of people who are trapped in their home. That incident is also ongoing. 

“We are 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 and we will respond. 

“We want to reassure the public we are prepared and well-rehearsed in terms of our contingency planning in readiness for the strong possibility of flooding in parts of Northern Ireland across the afternoon and we have redeployed resources accordingly.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in the PSNI, Coastguard and other statutory agencies right across Northern Ireland to assist members of the public. 

In Newcastle County Down where @HMCoastguard and @NIFRSOFFICIAL have had to evacuate 2 elderly residents from their home pic.twitter.com/sypux3Xqam

— C.A Kinahan (@ConorK_Photo) August 25, 2020

“We are reminding people of the following safety advice: 

Do not travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary.

In flooded areas, drivers should not:

• enter flood water that is moving or is more than four inches deep
• under any circumstances, drive through fast-flowing water as the car could be swept away

In more shallow but passable water:

• slow down
• 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
• submerged debris; or
• deep channels which can result in serious injury or, in the worst cases, death

If you do become stranded in flood water and you feel there is a risk to life, dial 999 for emergency assistance.

“More information and advice can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk ”.