Rain Returns and Raises Flood Rescue Risk
07/03/2018 09:12 AM
After a long dry spell in many parts of the State, heavy rain in the past few weeks has saturated catchments and swollen rivers in many areas. With this, the risk of drivers entering floodwaters has increased, and a flood rescue yesterday west of Taree has underscored the importance of not entering floodwaters.
Emergency services were called to Dingo Creek north-west of Taree yesterday afternoon following reports a car had been washed into a flooded creek while trying to cross a causeway.
The driver, a woman in her 60s, managed to free herself and swim to land, but her passenger, a woman in her 80s, was trapped inside the vehicle.
Rescuers from the NSW SES, Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and other agencies managed to fix a tether line to the car to stop it being swept away and the woman was rescued.
NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst said the rescue was a timely reminder that if it’s flooded, forget it – don’t risk your life, your passengers and the lives of emergency services personnel by entering floodwaters or trying to cross flooded causeways.
“Floodwater can have fast moving currents that can quickly wash people and vehicles away and roads can have washed out areas not visible under floodwaters. If you come across a flooded road turn around and seek a safer route or wait until floodwaters subside.”
Learn further information on flood safety and preparedness
Watch the 9 News - Dramatic River Rescue broadcast below:
If you require flood assistance call 132 500 or 000 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
