‘We will be back’ – Clean-up begins after Storm Babet floods wreak havoc on businesses
‘By God we will be back.’
That was the rallying cry from the owner of Monty’s Cafe and Sandwich Bar, Lisa O’Brien, who is one of many local business owners assessing the shocking damage caused by Storm Babet this morning.
Monty’s was one of more than 100 properties to suffer severe flooding in Midleton yesterday after more than a month’s worth of rain fell in Cork within 24 hours.
View this post on Instagram
“To say we are devastated is an understatement gang, but we just want to say thank you so much for all the offers of help from everyone, it is so appreciated.” Lisa posted on Instagram.
The location for Midleton Farmer’s Market is completely underwater.
“Our local town has been devastated by floodwaters and all the small local businesses that are its backbone are very badly affected,” said Frank Hederman of Hederman Smoked Salmon, who trades at the busy Saturday market, sharing the image above.
Chef Kevin Aherne and his team also suffered a heartbreaking loss as his popular restaurant Sage succumbed to the deluge too.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, in the city…
The Straight Road remains closed, pending a Cork City Council review today.
Centre Park Road is partially reopened, although the road remains closed from Fords Road to the Marina and cleansing crews are due on site later this morning.
Monahan Road is still flooded and remains closed, along with The Black Market.
⚠️ Road Closure Notice⚠️
Please note that the Straight Road is still flooded and closed.
City council crews will be review the road in the morning.@CorkSafetyAlert @Corks96FM @RedFMNews pic.twitter.com/5bpmgfmGdx
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) October 18, 2023
Despite being effectively underwater yesterday, Blackpool village has reopened after a Trojan effort by Cork Civil Defence.
Cork County Council has urged motorists everywhere to take extra care on the roads today:
“Please take care if travelling this morning. A number of roads are closed and impassable. Please be aware of standing water with damage to roads and be especially conscious of vulnerable roads users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”
