Residents in the rural area downstream of the Jerrara Dam at Kiama south of Wollongong have been told to evacuate immediately as a nearby dam wall threatens to break, in the midst of severe weather battering the region.
According to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), only those in the immediate area downstream of Jerrara Dam need to evacuate - including Jerrara Road and Jamberoo Road. Communities further downstream from Jerrara Dam are not expected to be impacted at this time.
SES also warned against traveling in the immediate area of Jerrara Rd and Jamberoo Rd due to the risk of flooding.
SES said it responded to more than 600 call-outs and helped with 34 flood rescues overnight , including 28 in Sydney's west and east, as heavy rain and hail lashed parts of NSW.
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Photo: NSW SES Kiama Unit[/caption]
Residents south of Wollongong and Kiama are bracing for more heavy rain today.
NSW SES issued the following warnings:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT JERRARA DAM EVACUATION
A dam failure evacuation order was issued at 9:15am for people in the Mt Brandon Road, Jerrara Road and Jamberoo Road areas.
Only those in the immediate area downstream of Jerrara Dam need to evacuate - including Jerrara Road and Jamberoo Road (highlighted on the map). Communities further downstream from Jerrara Dam are not expected to be impacted at this time.
If you require assistance with an evacuation call the NSW SES on 132 500.
Please continue to follow the NSW SES on social media and listen to local radio for updates.
EVACUATION ORDER FOR JERRARA DAM
The dam failure warning system for Jerrara Dam has issued a Red Alert, for areas downstream of the dam. This alert means dam failure is imminent. Failure of the dam will result in extremely dangerous flooding of the following areas: Mt Brandon Road, Jerrara Road and Jamberoo Road.
The NSW State Emergency Service directs residents within these areas to evacuate. Do not delay your evacuation. Roads may be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need to be rescued. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk. Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance.
For people who need assistance with evacuation call the NSW SES on 132 500
