Fermanagh floods: ‘I’ve lost everything, it’s all gone’

Thursday, 26 November 2009

Flooding in Co Fermanagh November 2009

Flooding in Co Fermanagh November 2009

Floods victim John Wilkin, from near Ardess, who has been left homeless by the rising waters was last night demanding answers.

Mr Wilkin said he has lived in the area all his life, and while there has been a manageable levels of flooding in the past, these levels of water are the highest he has ever seen.

He said he believes there is more to the problem than heavy rainfall. In the past, he has discussed problems with Rivers Agency drainage officials, he said.

Mr Wilkin (53) said he put his mobile home up on blocks to account for expected localised flooding, but he did not expect a torrent to wreck his property. Flood waters rose over the bonnet of his car and swamped his mobile home.

“I’ve lost everything. It’s all gone, washing machine, tumble dryer, fridge. I’m 5ft 6ins and the water is up to my chest,” he said.

He has rented a house in Irvinestown from the Housing Executive, and as not many of his belongings were salvageable, a mattress has been donated.

“The fooding is terrible,” he added.

BT, please launch a campaign to help these people. Try to make an assessment of the damage. Play it up, as only you can. Call on the government for shelters and food, on the public for household goods, on firms and charities to help their businesses back on their feet, and on the Assembly to start an inquiry. Water IS manageble nowadays. Make it a Northern Ireland affair.

Posted by Dutchwoman | 26.11.09, 18:19 GMT

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