Firefighters help evacuate locals as floodwaters hit north-eastern NSW - Gunnedah
Published: 23 Oct 2022 02:50pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews are helping to evacuate some residents in Gunnedah and Moree, as floodwaters hit the north-east of the state.
FRNSW teams, using Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or specialised drones, today have been flying flood assessment missions over the worst affected areas, which include Gunnedah, Moree, Wee Waa and Narrabri.
Several key roads in those areas have been cut and evacuation orders issued to those under threat from floodwaters.
Firefighters have door-knocked homes and assisted residents to leave their homes in Moree and Gunnedah.
They have also assisted locals, filling sandbags in the townships.
In Sydney, a joint FRNSW/Rural Fire Service convoy of logistics vehicles has left the Emergency Services Academy (ESA) at Orchard Hills bound for Broughton Oval in Moree, if it can get through, to establish a Base of Operations (BoO) to house up to 150 first responders.
The convoy is carrying tents, stretchers and other vital supplies to support the makeshift emergency services base during the SES-led flood response.
Authorities are also continuing to rescue motorists, who are driving into dangerous floodwaters.
Fire and Rescue NSW is advising drivers not to risk their lives and those of the crews sent to rescue them.
If it's flooded, forget it.
Media note: Footage of the drone operations and evacuation engagement can be found at: https://vimeo.com/763034566/8f3e71b675 [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:13pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
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
96 Barber Street, Gunnedah NSW 2380
175 Merton Street, Boggabri NSW 2382
Strafford St, Manilla NSW 2346