South and west hit by worst floods in 20 years

THE worst flooding in two decades has destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses and devastated thousands of acres of farmland throughout the country, mostly in the south and west.

From Galway to Waterford, heavy rain, along with rising tides and gale force winds, has laid waste to homes, schools, businesses and farms.

Cork and Waterford took the brunt of the storms and saw rapidly rising waters.