The NSW State Emergency Service has started to wind down flood operations in Western NSW while continuing to assist long-term isolated residents and facilitate the transition to recovery.
Flooding commenced in far western NSW in late March as a result of significant rainfall in Queensland.
Major flooding on the Paroo River exceeded the 1990 record height on 7 April at Wanaaring, which saw many residents right along the catchment isolated by widespread flood waters due to cut roads. We also saw significant flooding on the Warrego River and Darling River.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman ESM praised the many volunteers who had worked over many weeks supporting communities.
“This was a prolonged campaign flood which saw the NSW SES support rural properties and homesteads in Wanaaring, Bourke, Walgett, Louth, Tilpa, Wilcannia, Hungerford, Yantabulla, Fords Bridge, Gumbalie Enngonia, to name a few.
“It was a coordinated approach with the NSW SES deploying community information teams, rescue teams, high clearance vehicles and aviation assets throughout large parts of the state.
Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said flooding has largely eased in the area, but some residual water could still see some roads impacted.
“While we are wrapping up our official operations and looking to transition to recovery, we continue to support long-term isolated residents,” she said.
“Our volunteers assisted with 339 incidents, which included 65 resupply missions to isolated residents.
The Darling River at Menindee Town is currently at 3.37 metres and falling. It is predicated that the Menindee Lakes has sufficient capacity to capture any remaining floodwater.