Review of North West Flooding published

A multi-agency review of unprecedented flooding in the North West on 22 and 23 August 2017 has been published.

The Review, which was jointly led by the Department for Infrastructure, The Executive Office and Derry City and Strabane District Council, gathered evidence from emergency responders, the voluntary sector, government organisations, special interest groups including community representatives and elected members. 

The Review found that following heavy and persistent rainfall amounting to 63% of the monthly average within a 8-9hour period, that the combined multi agency response was timely and effective.  However the Review has also captured a number of learning points and identified 14 recommendations to further enhance our resilience to future flooding.  These can be viewed at https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/north-west-flooding and include establishing community resilience groups in the North West, improvements to flood incident reporting and providing support for community volunteers.

A public information day will be held on 29 March in The Everglades Hotel between 3 - 8pm, when representatives from the multiagency responders and support organisations including government departments, the Met Office and the Red Cross will be present to not only engage with local people on the Review findings but also answer any other flooding related questions they may have.  Copies of the report will also be available on the day. 

Further information on what to do to prepare for flooding, how to cope during flooding and what to do after flooding has occurred is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flooding.

Notes to editors: 

The impact of the flooding in the North West in August 2017 was such that, in accordance with Emergency Planning protocols developed by the inter-departmental Civil Contingencies Group (Northern Ireland), a review should be conducted to identify lessons learned and consider measures required to potentially mitigate the impact of any future flooding.

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