Heavy rain causes flooding

Many areas of the city were flooded by torrential rain

Householders have been cleaning up after torrential rain caused floods in several areas around Belfast.

Dozens of homes were affected due to the rain and residents in some areas said blocked drains had led to more severe flooding..

The Department of Environment's Water Service described the storm as "exceptional" and said its personnel was at "full stretch" dealing with complaints.

Areas affected included Ravenhill, Connswater and Mountpottinger in the east of the city.

Residents of the Cregagh Road said they had been expecting floods as the rain became heavier during the day.

One householder described how the waters began to rise. "Eventually the water started coming in through the back door, the front door and the backyard was under at least 10 inches of water," said Ingrid Finnegan.

A resident of Hillsborough Drive said it was time the DOE took action to ensure there was no repetition of similar floods in the event of future torrential rain.

Residents are clearing up after the flooding

"It's the second time it's happened in the last lot of weeks," said James Colville.

"I've been here for four years and they have not serviced anything all the time I've been here."

Also hit was the Ormeau Road which had experienced severe flooding on 28 July when severe rain had also led to flooding causing extensive damage.

A spokesman for the residents said the flooding had happened very quickly.

"It's hard to say if they were quicker off the mark or not," said Michael Goodman.

"There were people here from the Water Service at the monitoring station at the end of the street monitoring the situation.

"I think there should be a serious review of what's happening with the water situation and the sewage situation."

Recently the regional development minister Gregory Campbell announced there would be emergency aid for victims of the flooding at the end of July.