Kilkenny on high alert as rain lashes down

KILKENNY City and County is on high alert today as heavy rain again lashes down. Many people were evacuated from their homes on Thursday, as flood waters deepened. Family homes were flooded, fields flowed like rivers and animals had to be moved  to higher land or brought idoors where  possible.

The Emergency Services, local authority workers and volunteers were called  into action as flood waters caused devastation  in  Thomastown, Inistioge, Graignamanagh and many other parts of South Kilkenny in particular. Roads were closed, diversions were in place all over the county and  rescue workers were on stand-by  in case of further rains.

There was a reprieve yesterday, Friday. The day was cool and crispy but rain-free.

But the weather forecast was bad,  rain, more rain and high winds were predicted. The message was to batten down the hatches and to have more sand  bags at the ready.

People's worst fears were realised when the heavens opened again this morning, Saturday.

Homes that were hit and land that was submerged faced a further battering as rivers  overflowed and banks burst.

The Emergency Services remain on high alert.

The message to people is to look out  for each other, to take care of the sick and elderly, particularly those living in vulnerable areas.

Thankfully there have been no fatalities from flooding  in Kilkenny.

With the help of community workers and a caring community   it will  hopefully remain that way.