Householders hit by floods earlier this month will receive a £1,000 payment, it has been revealed.
Parts of Belfast and Co Down were affected by the deluge with surface water making driving difficult.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots visited one of the areas in Castlereagh caught up in the downpour.
“Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment” he said.
Councils can offer help and guidance including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household contents, assistance in making arrangements to clean up homes and gardens, and by providing de-humidifiers to dry out homes.
Localised flooding was reported in several areas in the east of the city, with the Belmont Road and Sydenham by-pass affected.
The aid for householders was approved by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.
Minister Wilson said: “I and my colleagues in the Executive want to help those most severely affected to get back on their feet again and to assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable,” he said.
“That is why I am giving approval for this £1,000 payment to provide tangible support to those householders directly affected by recent floods.
“As a locally elected administration, it is only right that we move in any way we can to provide help to local people when they need it most.
“Working with and through councils, the aim of this scheme is to ensure that practical and financial help is delivered to those most severely affected as quickly as possible.”
Steve Chelton, Insurer Development Manager, for Swinton home insurance, said: “It can be extremely stressful and distressing when a person’s home is flooded and we are also here to do everything we can to help and support people rebuilding their lives.”
