More than 150 schools were damaged as Storm Éowyn swept through Northern Ireland, it has emerged, with 25 potentially still not re-opening on Tuesday.
Just under 60,000 properties remained without power on Monday evening, with some homes potentially in the dark until early next week.
Close to 60 schools were closed on Monday due to structural damage caused by the storm, the Department of Education said, adding 25 have indicated that may remain closed on Tuesday, with 18 confirmed.
In total, the Education Authority (EA) maintenance helpline received 154 reports of damage to school buildings.
Problems ranged from missing roof tiles, fallen trees and serious structural damage.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn said the UK government is “working very hard” to help meet the requests for support for Northern Ireland, including through the mutual support aid.
“This is a practical crisis, and what people need is help - engineers, helicopters, bottled water, generators,” Mr Benn said.
“These are the things that make a difference to people on the ground while they’re waiting for their lives to get back together and for the electricity supply to be restored.
“We will continue to work hard to see that that is the case.”
Questioned on whether there may be some financial support, Mr Benn said that ii the executive found itself in the position that it could not cope with costs, the finance minister should make the request to the Treasury.
“Down the line will be a moment to consider cost and the position is as it has always been,” Benn said.
He added: “In my discussions with local authorities and NIE Networks we are very concerned about vulnerable customers and I would echo the message everyone has been given, please check in on your neighbours.”
As of Monday evening, 56,000 homes and businesses remained without power, with NIE Networks warning some may not be reconnected until February 3.
Eleven community assistance centres were open on Monday along with 60 other drop-in centres. Those using the centres were offered showers, food, hot drinks, and work-from-home hubs.
On Monday evening, NI Water’s director of engineering and sustainability, Gary Curran, told BBC News NI that it was an “improving situation”.
He said there were currently less than 1,000 customers off supply and that he believes that that number is “dropping as the day goes on” and “will hopefully continue to drop tomorrow”.
Both the First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly raised the issue of possible goodwill payments from NIE for households badly affected by the power cuts.
Derek Hynes, managing director of NIE Networks, said: “We are engaged with the Ministers on this matter, but our primary focus right now is to continue our work to restore power to all affected customers across Northern Ireland.”
