FRNSW assessment teams capture footage showing extent of flood damage - Central West
Published: 15 Nov 2022 04:19pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have managed to record the devastation caused by the flash-flooding which has struck the state's Central West over the past 24 hours.
Driving through the tiny town of Eugowra as part of their damage assessments, FRNSW crews encountered upturned cars, a toppled ambulance, water-logged and damaged roads, and debris strewn across yards and footpaths.
These video pictures emerged hours after a FRNSW emergency team was flown in to the area to assist with more rescues and evacuations.
Firefighters also helped locate and ascertain the welfare of eight people who had been reported missing earlier in the day.
North-west of Forbes, a FRNSW in-water rescue team trekked four kilometres to rescue a man isolated by floodwaters.
The Bedgerabong resident woke to find his caravan being inundated by rising outflows and strongs currents stemming from the Lachlan River.
He immediately called emergency services for help, before climbing on top of his flatbed truck with his pet dog and goat.
With nearby roads cut-off, it became a marathon mission for FRNSW firefighters, who had to reach him by walking and paddling most of the trip in.
When Strike Team 'Hotel' located the man, floodwaters were less than 20 centimetres from lapping the top of the vehicle he and his animals were on.
Crews helped ferry the resident to safer ground.
FRNSW strike teams continue to operate in Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra.
Later this afternoon, the Lachlan River is expected to peak at 10.8 metres, a height not seen since June 1952.
Extra resources are on standby to assist with any resulting impacts.
FRNSW, in support of the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES)-led operation, reminds people to never walk, ride, drive or play in floodwaters. If it's flooded, forget it.
EDITORS NOTE: Video footage of the FRNSW activities in the flood zones is available via this web link - https://vimeo.com/771007066/98a526494f [external link]
Updated: 15 Nov 2022 04:23pm
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]