Councils across Northern Ireland have begun to offer reparations to residents affected by last weekend's unprecedented floods, caused by record rainfall.

Belfast City Council has approved 156 emergency payments as a result of the flooding in the city.

The council has received 336 requests so far for grant applications, of which 286 have been assessed.

Residents from Belfast whose homes have been damaged by the flooding at the weekend can apply for an emergency payment of £1,000.

The council opened three advice centres earlier in the week to provide information to people affected by the flooding.

Andersonstown Leisure Centre, Avoniel Leisure Centre and Grove Wellbeing Centre operate the service from 10am to 5pm every day, and will remain open for the foreseeable future to deal with requests from the public.

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Belfast City Council's emergency flood helpline – 0800 707 6965 – will also remain open, operating from 9am to 6pm.

Council staff are operating the helpline to give assistance to people in Belfast affected by the weekend flooding.

Meanwhile, Ballymena Borough Council has revealed it received over 120 reported incidents of household flooding so far this week.

In response to the emergency and to assist those residents affected, the council has organised an Advice Centre at The Braid, Bridge Street, Ballymena to deal with queries on practical assistance payments, public health, building services and waste disposal.

Advice desks have also been arranged in conjunction with Northern Ireland Water and Northern Ireland Housing Executive at the same venue.

Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Maurice Mills, said: "I am appalled at the number of people who have suffered as a result of this flooding event and we must make our best efforts, together with all the other agencies involved, to assist all those in need.

"Anyone whose home has been flooded should contact the Council’s Environmental Health

Department immediately to register for assistance by telephoning 028 2566 0372."

(PR/NS)