“There’s nothing worse than being unprepared in the middle of a storm. Even one extra day can be vital in getting ready for floods.”

Rachel Lowe

In the early hours of Thursday, 3 December 2015, Ireland received a warning from the European flood awareness system. A storm was building, bringing with it the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Thankfully, Ireland wasn’t left alone. The European Flood Awareness System sent early and accurate forecasts, giving Ireland a vital 2-day window to stock up on emergency supplies and warn residents. As the torrential rainfall persisted into January, Ireland relied on EU satellite information for rapid updates on the quickly changing situation.

From Galway to Brussels, discover how the EU helped Ireland prepare an appropriate flood response, minimising the harm to property and people.