‘We’re struggling, but there’s not a lot else you can do’

LINES of people sloping stoically along to a far-off water pump while holding any container they can find would normally give rise to images of a ravaged part of sun-scorched, sub-Saharan Africa.

But, while surreal, the site is Cork city, where water supplies have been cut off to 40% of homes because of the deluge of rain in recent days.

“We’ve put about four containers full of water in the back seat of the car, but it’s not all for us. I’ve to look after my father up the road in St Colman’s. He’s 94 and can’t go anywhere,” Patricia Healy, 48, explains.