Operational update 17 oct 2022

NSW SES currently has 75 warnings in place across the state.

Emergency Warning: 12

Watch and Act: 30

Advice: 33

• The focus over the next 24 hours will be the mid Murray and Edward Rivers. Flood levels have already exceeded the 2016 levels and are looking to exceed the 1993 flood levels at Ecucha and Moama. Other locations significantly affected include Forbes, Narrandera, Wee Waa, Warren, Nanami, Jemalong and Barham.
• NSW SES has handed out more than 30,000 sandbags this weekend at Moama and expecting to hand out another 15,000 today.
• More sandbags, personnel and resources are the way to Moama where flood impacts are already being felt, and the expected peak likely to pass record levels later this week as a result of the rain received in Victoria which will flow through to the Murray and Edward Rivers.
• Flood waters starting to recede in Forbes and Wagga Wagga.
• If you are isolated and need resupply or assistance call the NSW SES on 132500.

Operational statistics last 24 hours (to 5am):

Requests for Assistance 110

Flood rescues: 2

SES volunteers deployed: 214

• At Forbes just before 11pm a vehicle drove past road closed signs approx. 9km past the Iron Bridge. Three adults and a dog were rescued from fast flowing flood waters and handed over to police.
• At 12:35am a truck driver was rescued from flooder waters at Grong Grong, near Narrandera
• A search (unrelated to flood activity) is ongoing near Dubbo for a missing 13 year old girl involving SES, Police and other emergency services.

Evacuation centres:

• Moama Recreation Reserve, 52 Perricoota Road, Moama.
• Kyeamaba Smith Hall Wagga Wagga

Safety messages:

• The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Immediately move to a safer location away from present and potential flooding.
• Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris, and damaged roads or bridges.
• Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater-it is dangerous, If it's flooded, forget it.

• Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services. Keep up to date with the latest information on the NSW SES website and social media channels and listen to your local radio for emergency updates

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500, or if life-threatening call 000.