FRNSW Commissioner visits flood-impacted communities - Central West
Published: 22 Nov 2022 02:13pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter is today visiting the state's flood-impacted Central West, offering his support to emergency teams.
The tour began with Commissioner Baxter calling into the incident 'base camp' in Parkes, where he met with FRNSW strike teams and Kiwi and Singaporean support crews.
Over the past few days, the contingent has been deploying to affected towns to support ongoing response and recovery efforts.
The international personnel, who specialise in in-water rescues and evacuations, have also been training around nearby waterways to familiarise themselves with local conditions.
In Forbes and Eugowra, Commissioner Baxter witnessed first-hand the major clean-up operations which are underway.
FRNSW's ‘Cell on Wheels’ mobile satellite communications hub continues to provide telephone and internet access for Eugowra residents, while repairs to infrastructure can be carried out by the main telecommunications carriers.
In-water teams are currently pre-positioned in Condobolin and Nyngan, which, according to forecasts, could be the next towns inundated by floodwaters.
FRNSW rapid damage assessment and wash-out teams continue to support recovery activities in Forbes.
They're being backed up by the agency's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) capabilities.
EDITORS NOTE: Additional photos of the Commissioner's tour of the flood zones are available on the FRNSW website. Video footage is available via this web link - https://vimeo.com/773587956/e3d87940e4 [external link]
Updated: 27 Jan 2023 05:17pm
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]