Storm Desmond prompts rescue efforts
A rescue team helps to evacuate people from their homes in Carlisle Getty

As Storm Desmond continues to wreak havoc across the country, prompting mass evacuations and closing schools and hospitals, two teenagers have been filmed doing backflips into stormy seas off the coast of Ireland. The video was posted to Facebook on 4 December by Cathal Devlin, who said he was sharing it to highlight the "absolute madness and stupidity of what these youngsters are doing".

The video has since gone viral, having being viewed more than 1m times and prompting many to condemn the boys' behaviour. Devlin said: "If any one of them got into difficulties there was no one there to do anything for them. The voluntary and rescue services are kept busy enough without having to worry about this type of stupid behaviour."

STORM DESMOND By posting this video of Storm Desmond in Salthill, Galway I wish to highlight the absolute madness and stupidity of what these youngsters are doing. I do not know if they are strong swimmers or not, that is not the case, if any one of them got into difficulties there was no one there to do anything for them. The voluntary and rescue services are kept busy enough without having to worry about this type of stupid behaviour. Please God, everyone will have a happy Christmas, perhaps it could have been very different. I would like to make it very clear that I or anyone else do not condone or see any "macho" side to this incident. In a couple of hours this video clip has received 168,000 views across the globe and everyone is of the same opinion "fools", "eejits", "morons" and worse. Count your blessings and do not, ever, repeat this type of "stunt". Cathal Devlin

Posted by Cathal Devlin on Friday, December 4, 2015

The video was filmed in Salthill, Galway, in west Ireland, one of the regions worst affected by Storm Desmond. The Met Office issued a rare red "take action" severe weather warning for the region on 5 December, which is the most severe weather warning and the first red warning to be issued since February 2014. Wind gusts of up to 80mph were recorded in parts of the country alongside the heavy rainfall.

Thousands of homes remained without power on 7 December, while the army was deployed in northern England to assist with rescue efforts. Prime Minister David Cameron also called an emergency Cobra meeting to discuss the havoc caused by Storm Desmond.

While the worst of the storm is believed to have passed, severe flood warnings remain in place for parts of the country and the Met Office has issued weather warnings for rain throughout the rest of the week. Forecasters have warned that more persistent rain could affect rescue efforts.

A representative for the Met Office said: "While this rain will neither be as heavy nor as prolonged as recent rain, please be aware that in view of the saturated nature of the ground and high river levels further localised flooding and disruption to transport is possible."

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