Business owners in Midleton, County Cork, have shared their devastation as Wednesday’s flooding left multiple business premises destroyed and more than 100 homes damaged.
Midleton-based restaurant Ferrit & Lee took to social media to share a photo of their recently renovated restaurant submerged in flood water, describing it as a “disaster.”
“Our recently renovated restaurant is destroyed,” the popular restaurant wrote on X on Wednesday, adding that the whole town “is under water” with people “still being rescued from homes.”
In an update today, sharing a video of the enormous damage, the restaurant wrote, “Don’t know what to say” as people offered to help in any way they could, with the damage described as “devastating.”
What a disaster, our recently renovated restaurant is destroyed 😭
The whole town of #midleton is under water, people still being rescued from homes pic.twitter.com/YqpoZWKTyP— Ferrit & Lee (@ferritandlee) October 18, 2023
On social media, residents of the East Cork town described the damage as “soul destroying,” as shocking videos circulated of parked cars being submerged in water, as a month of rain fell in one day.
While there have been no fatalities, the destruction has been widespread, with a reported 100 homes damaged in the area. One social media shared a clip of the Supervalu in the town flooded with water, with items strewn across the shop floor:
Supervalu Midleton. Absolutely destroyed pic.twitter.com/VnY0EZR3u1
— JJ Sheridan (@shero80) October 18, 2023
Multiple businesses have announced closures, including Toastie Cafe and Sandwich Bar in the town, which described the atmosphere in the community as “sorrowful.”
“Like many businesses, we have had to close our Middleton Store due to the extensive damage caused by yesterday’s flood,” the business wrote. It said that while the community faces a tough time ahead, “together we will make it through.”
‘WE ARE HEARTBROKEN’
La Trattoria Restaurant, a popular Italian restaurant in the town, said in a message on social media that it was “heartbroken” by the damage caused to the family business, sharing images of the destruction.
“It’s a sad day for our beautiful town of Midleton,” it said on social media, adding: “Our family restaurant is destroyed.”
“We will be closed until further notice until we can assess the damage done. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by today’s floods,” a statement read last night, as the La Trattoria team thanked everyone for their support.
People in the local area expressed heartbreak for the owners and staff of the “outstanding” restaurant, describing seeing the photos as emotional.
The Midleton Hub has urged people if available to help with the clean up of the homes and businesses worst hit by the flooding.
“Plenty of homes and businesses need all the help they can get so we can direct you to the locations in the town from here,” the community hub wrote on social media, appealing for people from outside of East Cork.
Meanwhile, local cupcake shop Messy Buns thanked everyone for helping, and in a message online, said anyone assisting the clean-up operation on Main Street and Surrounding areas could call to the business and have coffee and bus free of charge. People praised the local business, describing it as an “amazing gesture” at a difficult time, and a sign of the community spirit alive in Midleton.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is believed to be on route to Midleton currently. Cork TDs are expected to raise the issue in the Dail today to secure commitment from the government that everything possible will be done to help those affected by the flooding.