NSW SES responds to over 20,000 requests for help during State’s worst flooding

NSW SES has clocked over 20,000 Request for Assistance (RFAs) since record flooding commenced across Inland New South Wales, almost three months ago.

These areas include Central Western NSW, along the Lachlan River which received more than 3,000 RFAs (Forbes and Condobolin) and Northern NSW, along the Namoi (Wee Waa) and Mehi (Moree) which received more than 1,600 RFAs.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns says the last three months have been extremely busy for all parts of the agency. Our members have been responding and supporting their local communities along with our members in Incident Management Teams coordinating the NSW SES response to flooding.

“This relentless flooding is forecast to continue for weeks to months, with ongoing wet weather and already swollen river catchments,” he said.

“NSW SES volunteers, along with inter-agency and international support, have worked incredibly hard to support communities who have been affected.

“Members of the public have required assistance to be rescued from flood waters, evacuations, essential and medical resupply while isolated, animal rescues and storm damage.”

This event has been the largest operational response the NSW SES has ever seen, with some areas that do not usually flood, being inundated with devastating flooding.

Current areas of concern remain along the Lachlan River, at Hillston, the Edward River at Moulamein, the Murray River at Wakool Junction and as water continues to travel to downstream catchments across NSW and into the South Australian riverine system.

NSW SES continues to plan for potential major flooding and consequences on communities through to the end of February 2023.

Assistant Commissioner Kearns is encouraging the community to remain vigilant with warnings and staying up to date if you reside in flood prone areas, particularly with holiday periods approaching.

“Despite a slight respite in the weather, blue sky flooding continues. With storms forecast throughout much of NSW the risk of flash flooding and renewed rivers rises remains,” he said.

“Now is the time to remain aware of the warnings and to prepare your properties and business for the potential of storms and further flooding.”