Police are encouraging people within the impacted flood areas to register their movements using the Australian Red Cross 'Register, Find, Reunite', as emergency services continue to respond to several calls for assistance.
A significant rain event has impacted several communities in Northern NSW since late last week, with towns such as Lismore isolated due to flood waters.
Evacuation Orders issued by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) remain in place for several northeast NSW communities, including Lismore, Ballina, South Ballina, Casino, Woodburn, Coraki, Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby.
A full list of current evacuation orders and warnings can be found on the NSW SES website: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/.
Yesterday (Monday 28 February 2022), police from multiple units including Police Rescue and general duties, SES volunteers, NSW Surf Life Saving, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and more than 200 members of the community assisted in rescuing more than 3000 people from homes within the Lismore area.
The Australian Defence Force has also deployed to the region, with aircraft assisting with rescue efforts and around 200 officers supporting on the ground.
It is estimated multiple people remain isolated in their homes across the Northern Rivers today (Tuesday 1 March 2022), with emergency services recommencing rescue operations to locate and assist them.
As the rescue operation continues, State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, is urging all those who have been rescued to register their movements using the Register, Find, Reunite website – https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register-find-reunite/ – which is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross.
"Whilst emergency services and members of the community rescued more than 3000 people yesterday, only around 1000 of those have let authorities know they are okay," Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said
"The system of reporting a flood rescue can come from multiple avenues – either through the NSW SES on 132 500 or through Triple Zero (000).
"As we continue our efforts to rescue as many people as we can from homes in the Northern Rivers, NSW Police also need to account for the whereabouts of a number of people who were rescued yesterday.
"We understand communications in the region have been significantly impacted by this weather event, and this can add to the stress of not being able to get in contact with family and friends.
"If you or any family members reside within the impacted area, the Register, Find, Reunite service is a helpful tool to let people know you are safe, and to allow Police, with consent, to share details of family and friends with each other," Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
The Register, Find, Reunite website – https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/about-register-find-reunite/ –is a National system managed and operated by Australian Red Cross.
It is a service which registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones after an Emergency. It allows people to:
- Register to let people know they are safe
- Find people who may be affected by an Emergency and know they are safe
- Reunite through a matching process which enables Police, with consent, to share details of family and friends with each other.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), has also been activated to support the severe weather operation.
The principle function of the PIIC is to not only provide accurate, up-to-date general information to the public, but to also answer their inquiries regarding the flood event which has impacted on the community.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
The State Emergency Operations Centre at Homebush has also been stood up and will provide real-time assistance and intelligence to emergency services in the affected communities.
For the latest weather warnings, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/.
In life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
