The full scale of the flooding in and around Mountmellick can be seen in this drone footage.
The dramatic footage was captured by a drone flown from the Bay Road in Mountmellick at lunchtime today.
The flooding in Mountmellick was so severe that 35 families had to be evacuated from their homes overnight.
They were provided with hotel accommodation.
In a statement earlier today, Laois County Council advised that due to the recent heavy rainfall a substantial number of regional and local roads continue to remain impassable, including the N80.
Roads within the Mountmellick area which were impassable include: Ballyfin to Mountmellick, Derrycloney to Ballyfin, Manor Lane, Mountmellick to Portarlington, Acragar and Irishtown.
A Humanitarian Aid Centre has been set up at the Community Centre at Wolfe Tone Court staffed by Laois County Council and the Department of Social Protection.
Fire crews from Westmeath, Longford, and Offaly provided assistance overnight.
“Motorists are urged to continue to exercise caution on all roads, to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas and in particular to avoid the Mountmellick area,” the council said.
Humanitarian
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection says a humanitarian assistance scheme is available those whose homes are damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.
The funding is means tested and help is not provided for losses which are covered by insurance or for commercial and business losses.
The scheme will initially target the immediate needs of those directly impacted (e.g. clothing and food) with financial support provided for household items and repairs as the clean-up operations begin.
SEE ALSO – WATCH: Mountmellick farmer shows extent of flooding as animals stranded
