Flood threat for 46,000 properties in North

Up to 46,000 properties in the North are at risk of being flooded, it was revealed today.

With large parts of Belfast under threat because of rising river and sea levels, online maps identifying areas in jeopardy were published for the first time.

Parts of Omagh, Co Tyrone, and Antrim town centres are also affected, but not all dwellings face the same danger because of flood defences and their elevation.

John Clarke from the Rivers Agency said: “46,000 properties are estimated to be within the river and coastal flood plain. Around a third are protected by flood defences.”

Around a third of those are within Belfast. River flow will increase by a tenth and the sea rise by around 7cm because of climate change between now and 2030, the Rivers Agency warned.

“All of the Shore Road, the centre of Belfast and east Belfast, the predictive map shows those areas are within the flood plain,” Mr Clarke added.

A flood plain is a low-lying area around rivers and coastal areas.

In August, the Westlink was swamped, a lifeboat was used to rescue stranded homeowners in Co Down and over 1,500 properties were covered by hardship payments.

This Strategic Flood Map, which follows similar projects in Ireland and the rest of the UK, is the first step in a process which will ultimately help planners decide where to build houses, property-seekers considering where to buy and insurers glean more information when setting premiums.

Another assessment is being carried out on Belfast and eventually homeowners could be able to zoom into their own street.

The Google Earth-style internet map includes historical and predictive diagrams, incorporating the effect of climate change which will be relatively limited because only the next 22 years are covered.

It includes landmarks like hotels and leisure centres but not individual houses.

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said it was important to note that because of a property’s elevation or barriers many of those within a flood plain faced a low likelihood of flooding.

“Using the information available and by working together, Rivers Agency and other responsible bodies can help reduce the impact of flooding on people, property and the natural environment,” she said.

“People living or working in areas at flood risk can also take action to protect themselves. I hope they will arm themselves with the right information and take necessary precautions now and in the future.”

Her department is working to implement the EU’s Floods Directive. It is also in talks with insurers to prevent some properties from being left without cover.