November busiest month for flooding incident line

The Flooding Incident Line received reports of 648 flooding incidents during the month of November.

This was the highest monthly total since the line went live in January and compares to the 138 incidents logged in August – the busiest month on the line up until then.

The Flooding Incident Line provides a single number – 0300 2000 100 - to allow citizens to report incidents of serious flooding without having to worry about which agency is responsible.  When a call is received the Flooding Incident Line passes the details to the relevant Flood Response Agency - Rivers Agency, Roads Service or NI Water.

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, welcomed the performance of the line during what had been a challenging period for all the flooding response agencies. The Minister said: “During November, many parts of Northern Ireland suffered the worst flooding in years. Indeed many parts of Fermanagh are continuing to feel the effects of the rainfall levels.

“Flooding can have a very damaging effect on people’s lives and property. The Flooding Incident Line certainly cannot prevent flooding, but it is playing an important part in simplifying the process of reporting a flood.

“The total number of incidents reported in November of 648 made November the busiest month of the year for the line. Indeed, this figure also exceeded the total number of incidents reported for the year up until October, which stood at 591.”

At the peak of the flooding on 12 November, when 159 incidents were reported, callers had to wait an average of only five seconds for their call to be answered.

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7378 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.