Updated: 12.40am
MEMBERS OF THE Defence Forces are continuing to assist council staff with flood defence efforts in Clare, Limerick and Westmeath today.
Two sections of 15 troops were deployed yesterday to Clonlara, Clare; a platoon of 35 troops was sent to Athlone, Westmeath; and some 30 troops were drafted in to support residents in Castleconnell, Limerick.
Water levels in the Shannon are expected to peak on Sunday night into Monday morning, causing further major flooding in areas along the river bank.
In Athlone, one of the worst-hit areas, water and sewage are reported to have come up through drains last night as the river burst its banks.
There will be calmer weather today and tomorrow, but heavy rain is forecast for the weekend across parts of Munster.
The Irish Red Cross is continuing to distribute bottled water to residents affected by the flooding.
The ESB has warned that the flow of water down the River Shannon through Parteen Weir will remain at 375 cumecs (cubic metres per second) today.
Members of the public have been advised to avoid walking close to swollen rivers until it is safe to do so.
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