Families evacuated in Clare as sea surges 500m inland

The scene of destruction at Lahinch promenade, west Clare, where massive walls and quarter-tonne wall cappings were tossed across the carpark during the storm. Photograph: Press 22

Families were forced from their seaside homes as windows and patio doors were blown in by massive waves during stormy conditions yesterday morning.

Residents of several apartments and homes in Lahinch had to be taken to safety by fire personnel and garda after some of the worst storms ever witnessed in the west Clare resort town.

Dozens of mobile homes and caravans were left under water after the Atlantic surged several hundred metres inland.

A fishing boat was swept up on to the pier at Seafield near Quilty, while the only access to the quay was flooded by sea water for the first time in living memory.

Members of the Kilkee unit of the Irish Coast Guard evacuated several homes, with personnel carrying elderly people through waist-deep water.

Further storm-force winds and several tidal surges were expected last night.

The worst of the storms was felt in Lahinch, where large concrete wall cappings were tossed over 50m across the main promenade car park. Signs buckled under the pressure of the storm surge, while large sections of metal fencing along the shore front collapsed.

Clare County Council said Lahinch promenade would remain closed to the public until further notice. Members of the public have been advised to stay away from the seafront for their safety.

The first alarm was raised at around 5.30am when residents reported their properties being flooded. Several homes in Saddle Lane, close to the promenade in Lahinch, had to be evacuated. A family of eight was taken to safety from their home by Fire Brigade personnel while garda evacuated other properties.

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Families evacuated in Clare as sea surges 500m inland