An emergency centre was set up today to advise thousands of Northern Ireland people whose homes and businesses were damaged by freak flooding overnight.
More than 300 emergency calls were made to the Fire Service as heavy rainfall and lightning in Co Antrim caused extensive flooding with Rathcoole, Glengormley, Carrickfergus and Whitehead the worst affected.
The Housing Executive in Belfast called extra staff in to work today to help organise the repair effort. Some locals said the problem was exacerbated by a poor sewerage system but the claim was denied by the Water Service.
But Social Development Minister Mr Nigel Dodds said the extent of the flooding - four to five feet in places - raised questions about drainage.
The town of Warrenpoint over 50 miles away in south Co Down was also affected.
Ringsend in Dublin was also hit by flooding after water pipes burst yesterday. While homes were not damaged, Sinn Féin's Mr Daithí Doolan said residents had been left without water for 24 hours.
"I have personally seen people, from little children to an 83 year-old-man, collecting water from the street. I am outraged at the way City Council have again done absolutely nothing to fix this situation or help these people," Mr Doolin said.