Flooding: What now for residents as clean up continues?

Brian Toal might have to move out of his house

The clean-up operation is continuing in Portadown following major flooding earlier in the week.

Several housing estates in the County Armagh town are now free of floodwater.

But now residents' attention is turning towards how they will repair the damage to their homes.

The Department for Communities is providing emergency £1,000 payments for domestic properties which have been flooded, but there are other challenges.

Brian Toal's house in Park Road was flooded and he said his insurance company warned him he might need to move out for at least three months while repairs were carried out.

Much of the downstairs of his house has been damaged.

While his insurer has offered hotel accommodation for a few nights he has no permanent long-term option and may have to stay with family or friends.

"I don't want to go, I'd prefer to stay - the upstairs is liveable but it's up to them [insurance] if we have to go we'll go," he said.

"We've plenty of places to go to but I can't get a house - I've asked landlords and they have nothing."

Paul Duffy said people were at a loss

Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy, who lives in Portadown, said some people had very few options.

"Where do people go? Yes they can stay with friends and family - some of them for as long as they want - but for others they've just nowhere to go," he said.

"There's a housing shortage in the area as it is- people are at a loss."

Brian Toal's house was badly damaged by floodwater

He said the the amount of money for people affected by flooding may not be enough and that it should be "brought up to date" if necessary.

"People in Portadown have really stepped up again as they always do," he said.

"Neighbours have helped neighbours and they have all gone that step further to help."

On Saturday, Michelle O'Neill called on Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to provide funding for emergency relief efforts as well as financial support for businesses and people affected by the flooding.

Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn also wrote to Mr Chris Heaton-Harris to ask what assistance the UK government could provide.

In response, the Northern Ireland Office said it was a devolved matter but that it would work closely with the Northern Ireland Civil Service.