Firefighters battle through floodwaters to evacuate farming families - VIDEO - Moama
Published: 23 Oct 2022 10:30am
A joint team of emergency in-water rescuers has battled through floodwaters by boat and road to reach families under immediate threat near Moama on the NSW-Victorian border.
Led by Fire and Rescue NSW's Strike Team 'Foxtrot', the crew, also featuring State Emergency Service volunteers from Cootamundra and Albury, as well as Surf Life Savers, was activated around 1am today amid reports of a breached levy near farming properties on the Old Deniliquin Road.
Authorities had particular concerns about the safety of two families, previously identified as potentially at risk.
In pitch darkness, Strike Team Foxtrot set out to determine whether the farms could be reached.
They travelled by rescue raft along the flooded Murray River and confirmed there was a small window of opportunity to reach the families by road.
The team managed to convince an elderly couple to evacuate its property and then guided a neighbouring family of four out of harm's way.
By 4.30am, the six people had been relocated to safer grounds, without further incident.
Media note: Footage of the recon mission is available at: https://vimeo.com/763003352/1bc5590fcc [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:13pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
30-32 Maiden Street, Moama NSW 2739
264 George Street, Deniliquin NSW 2710
40 Wakool Street, Barham NSW 2732