Almost every area of the city was affected as the downpour caused rivers to burst their banks.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson said: "Detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme has now issued to all 26 local councils. Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment.

"If you feel that you may be entitled to the payment, contact your local council as soon as possible so that an urgent inspection may be arranged. If the council decides that your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within a matter of days.

"In addition, your council can also offer a range of practical help and guidance, including collection, retention and disposal of damaged household content, assistance in making arrangements to clean up home and gardens, and by providing de-humidifiers to dry out homes."

The Minister continued: "My Department will reimburse councils for the £1,000 payments to individual householders, and for the direct and indirect costs of providing practical assistance and advice.

Those affected in the Lisburn City Council area and who wish to make a claim should contact the Environmental Health Unit, Lisburn City Council, as quickly as possible on tel: 9250 9250, email; ehealth@lisburn.gov.uk or fax: 9250 9378.

These payments, when verified, are totally separate from insurance claims and will be regarded as 'hardship' payments intended to help people get back on their feet and assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable.

"Council Officers will make every effort to respond to households affected by flooding as soon as possible" said a spokesperson.

"The Council will do everything it can to ensure that the key agencies with responsibility for dealing with flooding incidents and the clean up afterwards fulfil their duties in terms of providing sandbags, emergency accommodation."

Homes in Culcavy, Ballinderry, Lisburn, Glenavy and Maze were among those inundated with water as the system became overwhelmed.

One woman said when she rang to seek help she was asked if she could use a brush to sweep the water away.

The PSNI said that across Northern Ireland rivers had burst their banks, two bridges collapsed and 37 major roads were shut down throughout the day.

The fire service's Kevin O'Neill said it was the most severe flooding he has ever dealt with.

"We have had all our crews out since virtually two o'clock yesterday (Saturday) afternoon and all through the night dealing with incidents relating to flood water," he said.

"I don't think we've either seen a time when the flooding has been as devastating as this or has affected the road transport as badly."

The weather forced the cancellation or abandonment of most the sporting calendar including the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod, football, cricket and bowls.

What to do now if your home has been flooded - click here

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS? CALL US ON 92 679111 OR EMAIL news@ulsterstar.co.uk