FRNSW breaks through to Coraki - Coraki
Published: 05 Mar 2022 04:57pm
Emergency service crews have had a major breakthrough, reaching the isolated Northern Rivers town of Coraki, which has been cut off by road for four days.
A convoy of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) vehicles, including "In-Water" rescue teams, assigned to the NSW State Emergency Service-led flood response, today was tasked with trying to reach the township by flood boat.
Instead, around 10.30 this morning, Strike Team 'Charlie' found the waters blocking Coraki Road had subsided enough to drive into the town.
Floodwaters had cut the town in two early last week.
Of the 11 FRNSW firefighters in Coraki, four lost their homes and the houses of five others have been badly damaged.
However the crew, instead, has focused on the plight of its community, door-knocking residents and guiding them towards the safety of the Fire Station on high ground.
The fire station quickly became the community hub over the last few days, providing food, medical supplies and shelter.
Those supplies were running out when the FRNSW convoy arrived today, soon followed by Resilience NSW, the Australian Defence Force and other emergency services.
The dangerous floodwaters will need to subside further before public access to Coraki is permitted.
https://vimeo.com/684884882/3815292b58 [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
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
16 Adams Street, Coraki NSW 2471
76 Woodburn Street, Evans Head NSW 2473
13 Taylor Avenue, Goonellabah NSW 2480