Our reporters to help guide $1m mercy mission to flooded areas
As floods ravaged northern NSW, our reporters were on the ground in the most trying of circumstances to tell the stories that really mattered. Now they are going to help to ensure a $1m donation goes to where it is most needed. Free flood updates
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Flood-ravaged residents across northern NSW are being warned they face snakes, spiders, gas leaks, potential contaminants and water damaged electrical circuits as they return to their homes for the heartbreaking clean-up.
Residents as are being urged to await the ‘all-clear’ before returning to their property, while flood tourists keen to see the damage themselves are being told to stay away by angry locals.
Northern Star reporters all week have revealed the devastation of the disaster and now they will help direct where $1 million donated by News Corp Australia will be directed to aid the recovery efforts.
Tessa Flemming has kept filing from a Ballina evacuation centre as flood waters lapped at her own front door.
“People were coming in with their dogs, birds in cages. It was the best place to be for the story, but you don’t really want to be part of it yourself,” she said.
Her colleague Catherine Piltz was evacuated from her home in Lismore as the waters inside reached waist height.
“The scariest thing for me was thinking that there are still people that are old and trapped, and how frightening it must be for them,” she said.
News Corp is working with St Vincent de Paul to support The Vinnies Flood Appeal, and gathering information from its staff on the ground to ensure the money gets where it’s needed most.
In Queensland, regional reporters in Hervey Bay, Gympie, the Sunshine Coast, and throughout Brisbane suburbs have provided around the clock coverage.
The flood crisis started in Queensland where more than a metre of rain came down in some parts in just days.
Lismore was hit by the region’s worst flood on record on Monday, with four people so far confirmed dead.
Stuart Cumming, 38, editor of the northern NSW titles, had a 30-second drive from his house on high ground to start covering the floods.
“I watched a guy in a tinny rowing along his street, pulling his neighbours out one after the other,” he said.
“People have their belongings outside their homes as they try to clean up. It is a stinking mess and I have spoken to quite a few people who don’t have any insurance cover.”
News’ announcement of a $1 million donation for flood affected areas follows another $1 million for fire ravaged communities.
“Our support comes through direct contact between our people and the communities they live in and cover,’’ News Corp’s Community Ambassador Penny Fowler said.
Troops arrive for Lismore clean up
Lismore Mayor Steve Kreig has shared on social media that hundreds of troops where expected to arrive today to assist with clean up, bringing heavy machinery with them
He said the number of confirmed deaths was 4, however several people are unaccounted for and search and recovery will happen throughout the day.
More police sent to flood regions
NSW Police will send more than 100 new officers to flood-ravaged Northern NSW to help with the rescue and recovery operation.
The additional officers, from multiple metropolitan Police Area Commands and specialist units across the state landed in northern NSW late Thursday.
They will be deployed to support local police attached to Richmond Police District and Tweed/Byron Police District, covering the areas of Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina and surrounds.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the extra police resources will make a significant contribution to the emergency response.
“These communities have faced some of the toughest times imaginable, but the stories of compassion and bravery from police, volunteers and entire communities rolling up their sleeves to pitch in have been incredible,” Mr Toole said.
“Rest assured we are throwing every resource at this evolving situation, and deploying these extra officers will make a huge difference on the ground, not only in the immediate response phase, but also during the long road to recovery.”
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the NSW Police Force would continue to do whatever was required to assist flood affected communities.
“I want everyone affected by this ongoing emergency to know we will support you in the coming weeks, months, and as long as it takes, to get you and your communities back on your feet,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
Emergency calls down
A Telstra spokesman has told the ABC there are still many communities where people can’t call Triple 0 through any service.
“We’ve still got a wide area of outages particularly around the mobile network around the Northern Rivers,” he said.
He said crews were now able to get into areas where floodwaters had receded to undertake repairs, and some services have been restored in the Lismore area.
But there are still widespread connectivity issues.
As of Thursday night, areas including Mullumbimby, Uki, Ocean Shores, Koonorigan, The Channon, Modanville, Homeleigh, Pillar Valley and parts of Kingscliff still had outages that meant even emergency calls were impossible, he said.
“I think we account for most issues and contingencies but when you have an unprecedented weather event, as we’ve had, it does put enormous strain on any infrastructure,” he said.
Non-flooded Lismore supermarkets to be restocked
In one of the key overnight updates, Lismore residents are being advised that non-flooded supermarkets will be restocked on Friday morning.
Sam Farraway, the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, acknowledged it had been a very challenging few days for flooded northern NSW communities.
“At an emergency meeting tonight (Thursday) we were advised non-flooded Lismore supermarkets will be restocked tomorrow morning (Friday) which I know will come as a huge relief to the community,’’ he said in an update posted on social media.
Defence Australia would continue to support other supply chain operations to isolated communities.
He said transport crews were continued to work with emergency services to inspect and open key roads.
“Our teams are also working with the NSW SES who have formed Rapid Damage Assessments Teams to help the community clear roads and infrastructure as soon as practical.”
“For those travelling from Sydney/Newcastle to Brisbane, your best route is inland via the New England Hwy.
“If you are travelling from Grafton to Brisbane, Gwydir Hwy, New England Hwy or Summerland Way direct are your best options.”
Key advice for residents returning to their homes
The SES has promoted key advice for residents returning to their homes after a flood.
It includes stocking up on basic items such as non-perishable food (canned or in jars), bottled water, medications, a torch and batteries.
“Fill up your fuel tank and withdraw cash (ATMs) in your area may not be working or banks may be closed).
“Be prepared for a slow journey; road conditions may have changed and there may be detours in place.
Those returning and helping with clean-ups should wear sturdy boots, long pants and long sleeves, eye protection and gloves-and wear a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
“Watch out for potential dangers such as snakes, spiders and other animals.”
There’s more great information here
River levels to keep a watch on
The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) was reported to be at 7 metres and falling, with minor flooding.
It’s expected to fall to 4.20m overnight Friday into Saturday.
At Grafton and Maclean, river levels are falling along the Clarence River, but flooding continues.
Major flooding is occurring at Maclean and moderate flooding is occurring at Grafton and Ulmarra.
“River levels are expected to continue to fall, however there is some possibility of renewed river level rises into the weekend,’’ the bureau says.
The situation is being closely monitored and revised forecasts will be issued if necessary.
The Clarence River at Grafton (Prince St) was at 4.66 metres and falling, with moderate flooding.
The river is likely to fall below the moderate flood level (3.60m) during Friday.
At Ulmarra, it was at 4.29 metres and falling, with moderate flooding The river is expected to fall below the moderate flood level (3.40m) during Friday.
The Clarence River at Maclean was at 2.93 metres and falling, with major flooding. The river is likely to fall below the major flood level (2.50 m) during Friday.
Major flooding at or near record levels is continues along the Richmond River at Coraki, Bungawalbyn and Woodburn but residents are being reminded to keep an eye on changes if there is rainfall into the weekend.
The Richmond River at Coraki was near 6.73 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding.
At Coraki, the Richmond may fall below the major flood level (5.70m) during Sunday.
At Bungawalbyn it was near 6.33 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding. It may fall below the major flood level (5.00m) during Sunday.
The Richmond River at Woodburn was near 6.04 metres and falling slowly, with major flooding. It may fall below the major flood level (4.20m) during Sunday.
Check updates on river levels here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
Emergency evacuation for Maclean residents
The SES have announced an emergency evacuation order for Maclean residents as concerns for the town levee mount.
Maclean residents have been warned by the SES the levee may wall may “fail”.
If the levee wall is “compromised”, built-up flood water from the Clarence River will enter the town and could cause “inundation”.
NSW SES are currently offloading truckloads of dirt and gravel at the site of the levee wall to contain the potential burst.
NSW SES told residents to “act now and be prepared”.
Maclean residents will be sent an evacuation alert via mobile phone as the town does not have an alarm.
Ulmarra SES Unit Manager Sue Chappell said it was particularly important to ensure the elderly, disabled and sick relatives in the lower laying parts of Maclean are evacuated as soon as possible.
Residents have been warned to “prepare yourselves, animals, livestock and property”.
An evacuation centre is open in Maclean Showground.
The affected streets in Maclean are:
Argyle Street
Bakers Lane
Bank Lane
Basin Street
Cameron Street
Centenary Drive
Central Ave
Church Street
Clyde Street
Diamond Street
Dunoon Crescent
Dwartes Lane
Emerald Street
Houghs Lane
Howard Street
Iona Close
John Street
Jubilee Street
McLachlan Street
McNaughton Place
Morven Street
Rannoch Ave
River Street
Rush Lane
Sapphire Close
Stanley Close
Taloumbi Street
Union Street
Coraki calls for help
The town of Coraki is urgently calling out for help as emergency supplies dry up.
Ballina based resident Madeline Adams said she had been talking to two elderly women trapped out of their homes.
The pair are at the Coraki Uniting Church evacuation centre which is in desperate need of food, water and toiletries.
“There is gastro going through the town and they are running out of basic needs,” Ms Adams said.
However, with floodwaters inundating the town and nearby Broadwater, Ms Adams said how to get supplies in was the issue.
She was asking anyone with a boat or plane who could help to reach out to herself or the Uniting Church.
“They haven’t been back home, they’re wearing other people’s clothes” she said.
“I’m just hoping someone can try and help.”
Airport closed
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport has shared on social media that it will remain closed until at least midday on Friday, March 4.
All commercial flights have been cancelled with emergency services still operational.
Life-saving medications choppered in to Lismore
A chopper filled with life saving drugs has brought desperately-needed relief at a Lismore chemist that has been overrun in the days since flood water destroyed much of the town.
Chemist Warehouse Lismore owner Kate Daniel said she had seen traumatised people who had been through horrendous situations but had somehow managed to keep their spirits up.
“As a community everyone seems to be rallying behind each other and really supporting each other,” Mrs Daniel said.
“It’s certainly been a crazy time.”
She said the store had been swamped with more than twice as many customers as normal who formed a lengthy queue for scripts.
“The volume of scripts is unprecedented and we have run out of a lot of lifesaving medications,” she said. READ MORE
Weather alerts: Flood warnings, heavy rain
Earlier today, fresh flood warnings and severe weather alerts have been issued for most of New South Wales, with more heavy rain preparing to lash already devastated towns.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns a low offshore from the Mid North Coast will deepen and move towards the central New South Wales coast today.
Severe Weather Update: Major flooding and torrential rain continues for #NSW and south-east #Qld. Video current: 10.30am AEST 03 March 2022
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 3, 2022
Know your weather, know your risk. For the latest forecasts and warnings, go to our website https://t.co/TbYvasuuLa or the #BOMWeather app. pic.twitter.com/3Wtf6m25aN
The system will bring very heavy surf leading to localised damage and abnormally high tides that may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas.
Water levels could reach or exceed the highest tide of the year by more than 0.2 metres, the Bureau warns, particularly during the morning high tide.
“Abnormally high water levels are occurring along the northern coast due to flooding and tides being near the highest astronomical tide,” the warning states.
âš ï¸ Moderate flood warning for the #WilsonsRiver at #Lismore. See https://t.co/AdztI2rqg1 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES#NSWFloodspic.twitter.com/qRfSlUzahU
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) March 2, 2022
There are also moderate to major flood warnings for many rivers including the Wilsons River at Lismore and Clarence River at Grafton.
NSW Police are also warning people not to park under trees with high winds likely to cause trees to be uprooted and fall over.
Ballina Island cut off
Ballina Island remains cut off from surrounding areas after historic flooding hit the town this week.
Frustrations were running high when countless Ballina residents tried to return home to the CBD on Wednesday, only to be turned away.
At the same time major communication network issues were affecting the town along with much of the Northern Rivers.
The full scale of damage to the Ballina CBD is not yet known but on Wednesday police had erected roadblocks to keep people from trying to return to the flood-ravaged streets, many of them still inundated from the swollen Richmond River.
Police roadblocks were erected on the CBD side of Missingham Bridge – heading from East Ballina – on Angels Beach Drive.
The town has also been cut off from the north at Tamarind Drive and from the south and west.
Speaking from a rare pocket of phone reception, Ballina mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the town was in a “desperate situation”.
“I said (earlier) it was a one in 500 year event but it’s actually a one in 1000 year event, I believe, now,” Ms Cadwallader said.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the river topple over like it has and to fill up the main CBD of Ballina.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see the homes flooded.”
250+ schools shut
More than 250 schools across New South Wales have been shut due to the extensive flooding crisis and road closures across the state.
See the list for state and independent schools here and Catholic schools here.
Thousands of calls for help
Since 5am Wednesday, the NSW SES has received 3166 calls for assistance, including 255 flood rescues.
Their busiest units have been Gosford (403 calls), Wyong (223), Penrith (177), Liverpool (167), Blacktown (134), Lismore (118) and Ballina (116).
“The East Coast Low started affecting NSW early this morning with heavy rain and strong winds,” an update from the SES reads.
“Heavy falls have been recorded across the Sydney Metropolitan, Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra Regions. This is expected to continue and intensify into the day. In the North Coast, wild weather is likely to spread from QLD into Northern Rivers over the coming days.
“The current weather situation remains serious. There are multiple evacuation orders in place across the state. Affected residents are urged to follow the advice provided within these evacuation orders and act immediately if safe.
“Trees are more likely to fall as soil structures are soaked and impacted by strong winds. Localised flash flooding could occur at any time.
“Make safe, smart decisions for you and your family. Avoid unnecessary travel and never drive, ride or walk-through flood water.”
For current Evacuation Orders, Centres and Flood Bulletins visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For emergency assistance in flood and storms, call NSW SES 132 500. If the situation is life-threatening, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Food supplies needed in flood-hit towns
A much-needed convoy of goods arrived in the flood stricken town of Lismore Wednesday night, as Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway urged residents to stay off the roads.
“Thanks to help from NSW Police Force, drivers took a more time-consuming and indirect route along the Pacific Motorway rather than the more direct Bruxner Highway, which remains closed in several sections,” Mr Farraway said.
“Byron Bay and Alstonville are along the route and will also be resupplied.
“While the Pacific Motorway opened to all traffic between Ballina and the Queensland border earlier (Wednesday) afternoon, all non-essential travel is still discouraged.
“This was an urgent resupply run with the help of authorities, please do not take any risks.”
It comes as the Lismore City Council calls for donations to help residents in evacuation centres.
Aerial photos reveal Ballina’s heartache amid fourth death
A fourth person died in the northern NSW flood disaster with a man in his 70s discovered inside a home in South Lismore on Wednesday.
The man — who is yet to be formally identified — was discovered at a home on Cromer St about 2pm and a crime scene has been established.
Confirmation of the fourth fatality of the floods came just hours after the discovery of Stuart Bock’s body in the Lismore CBD on Wednesday morning, bringing a tragic end to three days of searching by his family and friends.
Originally published as Our reporters to help guide $1m mercy mission to flooded areas
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