Ireland has been hit by torrential rain as the summer disappears again – with parts of Cork and Belfast flooded.

Emergency services are struggling to cope with the flash floods across the country as homes are left without electricity.

The towns of Douglas, Bandon and Clonakilty in Cork are badly flooded with some areas under three feet of water.

Residents were evacuated from the Ballyvolane area of Cork city while there is no access in or out of Clonakilty.

The Irish Independent reports that up to 15,000 homes in Cork are currently without electricity after the overnight storms which saw 70mm of rain fall in a few hours.

Flooding has also been reported in parts of Sligo and Tipperary and motorists have been warned to take extreme care.

Cork County Council has confirmed that it activated a flood response plan after the torrential rain.
Ireland’s weather service Met Eireann issued a flood alert to more than a dozen county councils with 70mm of rain forecast to fall in parts of Munster, Connacht, south Leinster and the midlands.

Despite warm temperatures, there could be torrential downpours due to heavy thunderstorms according to Met Eireann.

“The worst of the rain is over but it has been the wettest June on record,” said forecaster Evelyn Cusack.

Belfast has also been badly hit by the torrential rain. A police spokeswoman said: “Most of the main arterial routes in east and south Belfast are impassable due to flooding, abandoned cars and debris.”