The Department for Infrastructure held a multi-agency conference meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss the response, while an emergency fund for those affected has been announced.
“Last night we witnessed torrential flooding of a nature that has caused distress and harm right across Northern Ireland, but particularly in the west. In West Tyrone, a number of bridges and roads have been closed, and the livestock of a number of farmers has been compromised,” said Mr Donnelly.
“In particular, flooding has caused significant damage to households in villages such as Plumbridge, while communities like Beragh and Carrickmore have borne the brunt of damage in terms of their local GAA facilities. These are scenes that have been replicated similarly across Fermanagh and Derry.
“I would urge anyone who has been significantly impacted by the storm to avail of the support mechanisms available to them. People can apply for the emergency fund through their local Council if their household has been damaged, and I would encourage anyone in need of immediate practical help to apply for this funding if they are eligible.
“I would also like to place on record my thanks to local community workers and statutory agencies who throughout the night sought to the best of their ability to mitigate the damage of this weather.”