Flooding Follows Christmas Tree Blockage

Festive season leftovers may now be only a distant memory, but it was a discarded Christmas tree that caused the January blues for many in east Belfast at the weekend.

Northern Ireland Water says it is investigating the causes of flooding in parts of the city following heavy rainfall – but initial reports point to it being a discarded Christmas tree that may have blocked a culvert in an east Belfast street leading to heavy flooding.

More than 50 firefighters were called to the Castlehill Road area on Sunday and several homes were evacuated.

This followed heavy rainfall that led to parts of Northern Ireland experiencing serious flooding, with residents being evacuated from their homes as water levels threatened properties.

Up to 50 householders in east Belfast were surrounded by water after a drain became blocked.

A Fire Service rescue team attended the scene at Castlehill Road and pumped out large quantities of water from the area.

A culvert had blocked and manholes were forced open by the pressure, leaving a mini-lake with dangerous holes in the area.

The nearby Parkway in east Belfast was also flooded.

Meanwhile parts of the River Lagan had also reportedly burst its banks close to Annadale Embankment in south Belfast, spilling over the towpath.

Parts of Belfast's Knock dual carriageway and the Ballygowan Road were also struck by flooding.

Meanwhile areas of Larne and Carrickfergus were also particularly affected.

There were also reports of flooding at Magazine Street in Larne.

A spokeswoman for the water company said: "NIW has been working closely with Roads Service, Rivers Agency, and the emergency services to prevent floodwater entering houses."

(BMcC)