NSW SES members have been working with the Forbes community to assist with evacuations for the second time in two weeks, after flash flooding affected the Central West on Sunday night.
Yesterday, NSW SES members and interagency partners conducted 150 flood rescues at Eugowra after the Mandagery Creek doubled in height on Sunday night.
NSW SES Deputy State Duty Commander Dallas Burnes said NSW SES was again focusing on Forbes as the Lachlan River continued to rise above major level and may reach a record level of 10.8m this afternoon, Tuesday 15 November.
“After 120mm of rain fell in the area on Sunday night, our members have worked alongside emergency service partners to prepare the Forbes community, including sandbagging and public information,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.
“We have as many emergency services resources as possible in the Central West, including rescue helicopters, the Australian Defence Force arriving today and internationally-deployed personnel.”
The Eugowra community faced devastating flood levels yesterday with significant damage reported, and power and telecommunication coverage still being restored.
“This morning, NSW SES conducted a full sweep of Eugowra and we will begin conducting rapid damage assessments as soon as it is safe to do so,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.
“We have reports of floodwater moving whole houses downstream and bridges being moved off pylons. Police are continuing to work with welfare services to assist the Eugowra community.
“We are asking to please use the Australian Red Cross ‘Register. Find. Reunite‘ (https://register.redcross.org.au/) channel to connect family, friends and loved one.”
Planning is underway for more international resources to be deployed to assist with flood response and recovery, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting further storms in the state’s south next weekend.
The Bureau has forecast wet weather to continue at least until the end of the year, with communities expected to be affected by isolations for several months.
