Ireland

Woman killed as Storm Ali blows caravan off cliff

A WOMAN has died after the caravan she was in was blown off a cliff in Co Galway this morning as Storm Ali swept across Ireland.

The first named storm of the season brought high winds to the west of Ireland where the caravan was blown onto a beach at Claddaghduff, near Clifden.

Gardai said the body of a woman in her fifties was found after a search on the beach.

RTÉ said the victim was sleeping at the time when strong winds lifted the caravan from the ground.

It said the dwelling was blown onto a stretch of coastline and is not submerged in water.

President Michael D Higgins expressed his condolences to the family of the woman who died.

"Today's strong winds can result in dangerous situations and I would urge everyone to heed the warnings by the authorities and take caution when travelling or when out in the open," he said.

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Storm Ali has already claimed one victim today in Claddaghduff, Co Galway. As president of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to her family.

"I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens, and who are working to maintain essential services around the country."

A total of 55,000 homes and businesses, mainly in the south-west of Ireland, have been left without power due to the bad weather, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said.

Forecasters have issued a Status Orange wind warning for more than half the country due to the storm.

ESB Networks, which oversees the power supply, said approximately 55,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power this morning, primarily in the south-west.

"The damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds.

"Storm Ali is currently active across the south-west and west coast of the country with gale force winds and gusts of up to 120 km/h per hour.

"The counties most impacted include Cork, Kerry and Limerick, as the storm continues to track north."

Crews have been mobilised and are working towards restoring power to all affected families.