Review of Flooding in the South East published
The long-awaited flooding report for the South East area has finally been released. The flooding occurred in the Autumn of 2023.
Many residents and business owners across the South East area will be keen to read over it and see what causes, damage and solutions are revealed.
Downpatrick in particular seems to be at the mercy of the water levels in the River Quoile and the town itself being partrly built on marshy land, a lot of it beiow sea level.
The review can be read from the link:
www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-flooding-south-east-autumn-2023
The Civil Contingencies Group (NI) required a review and this was jointly led by The Executive Office, Department for Infrastructure, Department for Communities, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council examined the local tactical response and the strategic regional response to the extreme flooding events which severely affected Newry City, Downpatrick and Portadown.
Jacob, the engineering consultant, were engaged by the Department for Infrastructure to provide an independent technical insight into the causes of the flooding and to present considerations for viable solutions.
A total of 22 recommendations have been outlined in the review. These are being considered and will be actioned by the various Departments and Agencies involved in the review.
The Review of the South East Flooding relates to the events which took place from 26 October until 1 November 2023.
During this time period, as a result of heavy rain, more than 200% of the monthly average, flooding severely impacted Newry, Downpatrick, Newcastle and Portadown.
Review.
There were three consultations across the South East Area with the multi-agency group allowing local politicians the opportunity to say how the emergency response was conducted and what measures could be put in place to enhance the response.
In October 2023, there was a 200% increase in rainfall. And with Storm Babet, there was 100-150 mm of rain falling on the Mourne Mountains.
From Thursday 26th October to 1st November 2003 the total rainfall across the South East has increased from a raange of 106-184mm.
The South East area was already saturated in water and the extra downpour led to the flooding.
Altogether, there were over 300 plus properties flooded in the South East. There were 90 homes in Armagh, and 120 across the Newry Mourne and Down area.
And with two high tides in one day pushing up coastal levels, it was difficult for the local rivers to discharge their excess water.
Downpatrick severely flooded. The heavy rain running into the Quoile and Annacloy Rivers flooded the loer Market Street area and the Down Retail Park including the Downpaqtrick and County Down Railway. The Plank Drain had flooded severely.
However, the Tidal Barrage did prevent further flooding in other areas of Downpatrick and help reduce the flooding in Market Street.
Pumps were subsequently deployed managed by the NIFRS and a temporary dam was formed in the Grove Car Park. The water was pumped out n=back into the River Quoile.
The DfI is tasked with creating a report by the Spring of 2025 that identifies the root causes of the flooding and that it presents options for solutions to protect the residents and businesses from flooding where possible.
The recommendations included:
- an early flood warning system should be developed.
- community awareness of flooding needs to be improved more quickly.
- raising the awareness and training among partner bodies in the Civil Contingencies Group.
- create a system if sharing information in real time.
- response and recovery partners to test their readiness to emergencies such as this.
- look at best options to provide advice for residents and businesses impacted by flooding.
- relevant government bodies to provide feedback on their effectiveness of providing financial assistance.
- publicise the government’s support and insurance information schemes to providers.
It will take time to digest the report and for the government agencies to find joined-up solutions to the problems of flooding in the South East.
In the meantime, local businesses in the South East will be hoping for a drier autumn than in 2023. But with climate change there is a great unpredictability about if all.
We will have to hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
