Storm Agnes: Woman rescued after car becomes submerged in floodwater in Co. Londonderry

A woman's been rescued from her car after it became trapped by floodwater in County Londonderry.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the scene at the River Mayola in Draperstown yesterday afternoon as Storm Agnes swept in.

One firefighter had to break the back window of the car to bring the woman to safety on the roof.

A statement from NIFRS said, “On arrival at the incident crews found a car submerged in the River Moyola with the driver trapped in the car by flood water.”

“The first arriving crew used a ladder to reach the car from a bridge. Initially this was to secure the car to prevent it from being carried further downstream. However the conditions changed very quickly and the firefighter on the roof of the car had to take decisive action to save the occupant. The firefighter broke the rear window and brought the driver out of the car and on to the roof.”

“From there a line was secured to the occupant of the car and she was walked up the ladder followed by the firefighter to safety.”

“Soon after this the car was fully submerged in the river. “

“From arrival of the crews to the driver being rescued was 19 minutes.”

Weather warnings brought by Storm Agnes have now been lifted, but some homes are still without power.

Travel disruption yesterday included an Easyjet plane that was unable to land in Belfast - meanwhile winds of almost 60 miles per hour were recorded in Glennane.

Drivers are being urged to take extra care on this road this morning with the Department for Infrastructure warning the clean-up operation could be slower than normal.

A statement from the DFI said, “ Ongoing industrial action by members of the Unite and GMB unions until midnight on Wednesday 27 September may disrupt the Department’s initial response to any potential storm clear up operation and other essential services which are routinely delivered by DfI staff on the road network.”

This includes response and clear-up operation when there are incidents on the road such as oil spills or unexpected debris, response to calls to the flood incident line, response to flood emergencies, repair of serious defects such as manhole collapse or potholes, and gully clearing and cleansing.

“While contingency arrangements are being put in place, this will not replace the full maintenance service and we would therefore ask all citizens and road users to be mindful of this and exercise care when making their journeys.”

Meanwhile the fire service has issued the following warning for drivers; “ Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. Water is often deeper than it looks and your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.”

“Do not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels; these can cause serious injuries or even death.”

“Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless it is absolutely necessary.”

In Ireland, where Agnes first made landfall, saw flooding and travel disruption, with fallen trees blocking roads and flights and ferries also being affected.

A roof was blown off a building in Co Cork.

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