Clifden counts the cost of freak flash flooding

THE freak flash flooding that hit Clifden in the early hours of last Wednesday are estimated to have caused hundreds of thousands of euros worth of damage to at least 17 homes in the town.

Most of the families who had to evacuate their homes on the morning of the flooding still haven’t returned to their houses with many of them staying with relatives or friends.

Schools in the town were also closed following the flooding while a number of other properties also suffered damage to driveways and gardens.

The majority of the evacuated homes were in the Clifden Glen estate – located close to the eastern fringe of the town and adjacent to the Owenglin River – while a number of residents also had to leave their homes in the Riverside and Low Road area.

Local councillor, Eileen Mannion, told the Connacht Tribune, that the flooding had caused devastation to the residents directly impacted upon, with the community rallying around to offer their support.

“We’ve never witnessed anything like this before. It really was a frightening experience for many people and terribly traumatic for the people whose houses were flooded,” said Cllr. Mannion.

See full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or download our digital edition. See full details on www.connachttribune.ie