Veronica Dilworth, her husband Joe and three children have had to seek refuge in a local hotel as their home in Cork city is destroyed.
It’s said it could take between eight and twelve months before the family can return to their home.
“Words can’t describe it. We have rats now. I’ve already seen six or seven on the back wall but I’m sure there are more than that. We can’t get the water out of the house because we’ve no pump”
Veronica’s husband Joe had a kidney transplant a few years ago and fears he’s too weak to return to the home.
Ms Dilworth has flood insurance but it’s feared the damage could amount to higher than €200,000.
The family had water pumped out by a lorry last night but it is seeping back in through the protective sandbags.