The scale of the flood damage in L'Derry and the north west has been described as "unbelievable".

Torrential rain on Tuesday night, 22 August, forced some residents from their homes and Sinn Fein MLA Declan McAleer said isolated communities have been "badly affected".

He said: "Major landslides resulted in thousands of tonnes of gravel and bog making its way to the Glenelly river. Fencing, gates, posts, strainers, bridges, roads, round bales and livestock got caught in its path and washed away. Tonnes of this debris is deposited along the Holmes at the river bank.

"The rest of the deluge made its way downstream to Plumbridge where it devastated the factory and workshop and submerged the mart.

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"It then destroyed the playgroup and community hall, dislodged containers which pummelled and damaged the bridge and destroyed the new 3G - Multi Use Games Area.

"I raised these issues at the inter agency meeting on Wednesday and I have written to the Agriculture Department requesting an urgent meeting and intervention."

Sinn Féin Leader in the North Michelle O'Neill said: "The scale of the damage caused by the floods is shocking and my thoughts are with all those affected.

"Thankfully, no lives have been lost and I want to commend the actions of the emergency services, local residents and activists who worked through the night to protect lives and property.

"Clearly questions need to be answered about the state of preparedness and the response of some statutory agencies.

"People are also beginning the long process of cleaning-up and rebuilding and we need to ensure every possible assistance is provided to them.

"That will require a robust and concerted approach across several different government departments."

(CD/LM)