Torrential rains force more evacuations
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FURTHER torrential rain yesterday left dozens more homes in villages and townlands in south and east Galway facing the prospect of evacuation.
The situation was deteriorating badly in south Galway where local councillors declared it "a disaster area".
Throughout the county, more than 100 roads were either impassable or badly flooded.
Gardai and local authorities were issuing urgent appeals to all motorists not to attempt to drive on such roads under any circumstances.
As the situation worsened last night in the midst of further stormy weather, Galway County Council was advising householders under threat of flooding in south Galway to evacuate without delay.
Ardrahan-based councillor Michael Fahy said that the situation in south Galway had become grave and he feared lives were at risk in areas where the flood waters were rising.
He pointed out that a wall had been knocked in Kiltartan and local homes as well as the national school at Kiltiernan were about to be flooded.
"South Galway, like Ballinasloe, has to be declared a disaster area.
Disaster
"We are in a disastrous situation and I believe lives in these areas are now at risk".
Relief workers were battling floods in Portumna and in parts of east Galway. A number of housing estates in Ballinasloe were still under water yesterday.
The water levels in the east Galway town had initially dropped, but the situation was being monitored as more rain fell late last night. River St and Derrymullen remained the worst affected areas.
The local Society of St Vincent de Paul said it had been overwhelmed by the response to its appeal for clothing, footwear and blankets for more than 150 families who had been forced out of their homes.
People travelled from other counties to make deliveries and a special warehouse has been opened to help sort the goods.
- BRIAN McDONALD
Irish Independent
