Lismore home burst in flames while surrounded by flood water
A Lismore woman rescued from a submerged house by boat turned around to see her home on fire. The drama comes after a video went viral showing power lines exploding at Casino.
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A young woman was rescued by boat from her home as it was almost totally submerged in floodwaters – then burst into flames.
The photo reposted by local artist Penny Evans shows the roof of the house in Lismore being ravaged by fire as water laps over the eaves.
A community member said the photo was taken by the resident as she was evacuated by boat in the nick of time.
It’s not the first fire drama in the floods with dramatic footage showing the moment a power line in Casino, NSW, exploded as severe weather lashed the town on Monday.
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Casino resident Hannah Lea Oaten was standing on the corner of Hickey and Barker streets looking out over the Richmond River when she captured this video.
Speaking to Storyful, Oaten said another explosion occurred shortly after she stopped recording.
RELATED: Lismore ‘icon’ and elderly woman named as first flood victims
“There was two explosions, but as I was right under the power box I moved straight away and didn’t get a chance to get the second explosion,” she said.
The incredible photo comes as Lismore is bracing for another heart wrenching day as emergency crews undertake the grim task of searching properties for more fatalities.
There have now been three fatalities, two women in their 80s, and a man, been confirmed in Lismore.
Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said Fire and Rescue crews were undertaking the unenviable task of searching flood-affected homes and businesses for more people who may have been trapped.
“Today’s going to be probably the hardest day in Lismore’s history to be honest with you,” Mr Krieg said.
“Today’s all about rescue and recovery.”
He said search and rescue teams were currently making their way through buildings in the town
“That’s happening as we speak,” he said.
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