Investigations are under way to assess the full extent of the damage to government buildings, infrastructure, equipment and vehicles in the wake of the flash floods on Thursday and Saturday's storm.

Hardest hit were the National Sports Centre, Hills Meadow training centre and depot, Banks Circus, the Snaefell mountain railway and Old Laxey Bridge. The repair bill is expected to run to many millions of pounds.

Meanwhile, the response of government staff and community volunteers has been praised. Emergency services received 1,225 calls and 177 emergency 999 calls between 2pm on Thursday and 6am on Friday. Department of Infrastructure crews cleared 750 tons of debris from the mountain road landslide as well as dealing with flooding and fallen trees across the island.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said: 'While most people were able to heed the advice to stay at home and batten down the hatches, our staff were out in the worst of the weather, working round the clock to deal with flooding and storm damage. It was a real community effort.'

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson added: 'Severe weather events bring the work of our government departments, emergency services and volunteers into sharp focus and they once again responded in a professional and effective manner. I wish to add my personal thanks to those who have risen to the challenge to protect vulnerable members of the community.'


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