Cleanup efforts are underway in County Kerry, Ireland, following the powerful Storm Darragh. The Kerry County Council has been working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the storm, responding to a surge of calls from residents.
As the storm hit, the council has received 111 calls to its emergency hotline, with 75% of those issues already resolved. While most roads have been cleared of debris, some remain closed due to downed power lines, posing a safety hazard.
“Caution is still advised on all roads,” a council spokesperson urged. “Debris and branches may still be present, so drivers should remain vigilant.”
The council expressed its gratitude to its dedicated crew members who have been working around the clock to restore normalcy to the region. “We want to thank our crews who have been responding to calls overnight and throughout today,” the spokesperson said.
For the latest updates on road closures and safety facts, residents are encouraged to visit the Kerry County Council’s page on X (formerly Twitter) at https://x.com/countykerry. Residents can report fallen trees or debris by calling the council’s emergency number at 066 7183588.
Kerry County Council Leads Cleanup Efforts After storm Darragh Batters Region
Cleanup efforts are in full swing in County Kerry, Ireland, following the powerful Storm Darragh. The Kerry County Council has received a surge of calls from residents reporting damage and disruptions caused by the storm, but has already made significant progress in restoring normalcy.
While most roads have been cleared of debris, some remain closed due to downed power lines. The council urges residents to exercise caution and remain vigilant while driving.In this exclusive interview, we speak to experts from the Kerry County Council to delve deeper into the storm’s impact and ongoing recovery efforts.
Immediate Response and Damage Assessment
We are joined by Liam O’Connell, Head of Emergency Services for kerry County Council, to discuss the initial response to the storm.
WTN: Mr. O’Connell, can you describe the immediate impact of Storm darragh on County Kerry?
“Storm Darragh brought high winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in fallen trees, power outages, and road closures across the county. Our emergency hotline received a high volume of calls, with residents reporting a range of issues.”
WTN: What has been the most challenging aspect of the response effort?
“The extensive damage caused by downed power lines has posed a significant safety hazard. Our primary focus has been securing those areas and ensuring the safety of our crews and the public. Its a complex and time-consuming process.”
Progress Made and Ongoing challenges
We now turn to Fiona Kelly, a spokesperson for the Kerry county Council, for an update on the progress made in the cleanup efforts.
WTN: ms. Kelly, how many calls has the council received, and what percentage have been resolved?
“We received 111 calls to our emergency hotline during the storm.I’m pleased to report that 75% of those issues have already been addressed. Our dedicated crews have been working tirelessly around the clock to clear debris, repair roads, and restore essential services.”
WTN: What message do you have for residents?
“We understand that this has been a difficult time for many residents. We want to thank them for their patience and understanding as we work to get things back to normal. We urge everyone to continue exercising caution, especially on roads where debris may still be present.”
Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned and Preparedness
we discuss the long-term implications of Storm Darragh and the importance of preparedness with Dr.Aoife Murphy, a climatologist from University College Cork.
WTN: Dr. Murphy, what does Storm darragh tell us about the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events?
“Storm Darragh is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change. We can expect to see more frequent and intense storms in the future. This underscores the urgent need for communities to invest in robust infrastructure and comprehensive disaster preparedness plans.”
WTN: What advice woudl you give to individuals and communities in terms of preparing for future storms?
“It’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place, including a designated safe location, essential supplies, and a dialogue plan. Staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings is also vital. We all have a role to play in building resilience to the challenges posed by a changing climate.”
Staying Informed and Connected
The recovery process following Storm Darragh is ongoing.For the latest updates on road closures, safety advice, and volunteer opportunities, please visit the Kerry County Council’s page on X (formerly Twitter) at https://x.com/countykerry . Residents can also report fallen trees or debris by calling the council’s emergency number at 066 7183588.
Let’s continue to support our community and work together to recover from this event. Share your experiences and stories of resilience using the hashtag #KerryStrong. for more details on climate change and disaster preparedness, visit the website of the Irish Meteorological Service.
