Storm Babet – Flood Relief Efforts

19 October 2023

18th October:

Cork North & East
Cork North and East Civil Defence unit was activated at 12.30 today to assist with emergency flood response in Midleton and surrounding areas. A control centre was set up at Midleton fire station where key agencies, including Civil Defence organised and designated tasking from. The units 25+ volunteers consisted of swift water technicians, swift water first responders, boat crews and coxswains as well as many other volunteers who responded with two boats, inflatable walkways, two portable water pumps and multiple 4X4 vehicles to assist with evacuation of people from flooded homes and cars. A number of dialysis patients were transported to CUH for treatment. The members also assisted Cork West Civil Defence in setting up a rest centre and various other taskings throughout the day. Volunteers were also involved with health checks on people who had reported flooding in their homes. The unit was stood down at 11.15 tonight and returned to base and cleaned and prepared equipment, ready to use again if needed.

Cork City
Cork City Civil Defence Unit was mobilised in the early afternoon assisting the local authority with water pumping and evacuation of homes.

Volunteers set up a rest centre for people in need of emergency accommodation. Swiftwater personnel assisted with emergency evacuations. 4×4 crews provided transport.