One word conveyed the prevailing emotion: “Devastated”.
It needed nothing else, as the sense of devastation many Newry businesses will be feeling over the coming days, will be incomparable.
McCartan Bros, based at the badly hit Sugar Island shared images of how the flood waters breached the store and destroyed thousands of pounds worth of clothes stock inside.
An aerial images of Sugar Island, shared on social media, illustrates how a combination of the Newry Canal and Clanrye River overflowing left a situation “an army of people” couldn’t have stopped.
Brendan Downey, Director of Friar Tuck’s, said his store may be closed for months as a result.
Speaking to the Newsletter, Mr Downey, said: “We were afraid of the river bursting its banks all day yesterday but we didn’t anticipate the Canal coming around the corner. An army of people wouldn’t have sorted this out.”
Mr Downey described is as a “once in a lifetime flood” that has left businesses in the area “stunned”.
“We’re still in shock,” he said. “I’m numb.”
Nugelato in Newry said they are “utterly heartbroken by the damage to our Newry store from the impact of the canal bursting”.
“We are devastated for all the neighbouring businesses in Sugar Island and Newry impacted by the floods. We will keep all our loyal Newry customers updated and endeavour to do what we can for our wee shop.”
Gordons Chemist, also based at Sugar Island, say they have moved their operations to their Rathfriland branch.
In a socail media message, the company said: “For patients who are due to receive prescription(s) today and throughout this week, please contact the branch team at the earliest opportunity on the usual number (028 3026 2525) and they will confirm how and when you will receive your prescription.
“We will continue to collect prescriptions from surgeries for our patients and dispense them as normal until we are able to return to Sugar Island.
“We will deliver prescriptions to our patients who regularly receive deliveries. And for those who would usually collect their prescriptions in person from the Sugar Island branch, you have 2 options: you can either collect from the Rathfriland branch, or you can contact the pharmacy team on the above number to request a home delivery and they will confirm if they are able to provide this service.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and we will continue to keep you updated via social media as and when this situation changes.”
