Flood evacuation orders for Camden, warning for Picton, as rain pelts Macarthur
Fire and Rescue crews in southwest Sydney rescued a woman after her car was overrun by floodwaters. The woman tied a line to herself and had to jump from the roof of her car to the firies.
Macarthur
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A woman had to be rescued after her car became trapped by floodwaters in southwest Sydney with firefighters saying they were “seconds from a tragedy”.
Details of the operation have been revealed as parts of southwest Sydney have been ordered to evacuate with some businesses facing the reality of being flooded for the second or third time in a month.
Shortly after 6am on Thursday, Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to reports that a person was stuck in floodwaters on Cambridge Ave, Glenfield.
On arrival, they were confronted with a young lady trapped inside a vehicle overrun by flood water.
“The vehicle was wedged by floodwater against the guardrail with the depth and power of the water increasing, rising up around the vehicle,” a statement from FRNSW said.
“A rescue plan was rapidly formulated with Fire and Rescue Swift Water Rescue firefighters who entered the water in an attempt to secure the vehicle and winch it free.
“Fire and Rescue crews were only able to get to within a few metres of the vehicle due to the depth and velocity of the water. They then used a throw bag to get a rope to the young lady.”
The waters by this stage had entered the car, and crews had to give instructions to the driver on how to secure the line to herself.
The water level was rising rapidly and the woman was instructed to climb onto the roof of the car, which within seconds also became overrun with flood water.
“She was instructed to jump towards firefighters who used her momentum along with the hauling line to propel her to their position,” the FRNSW statement said.
“They then worked to get her and themselves out of the water and to safety.
“She only suffered minor injuries in the incident, which was seconds from a tragedy.”
The team at the Camden Sporties were getting ready to finally open up properly this week as the second wave of floods in March wreaked havoc on their building.
But instead of getting ready to pour the beers, staff and volunteers rallied to pack up equipment, move it up high and sandbag the property.
Terry Gordon, the chairman of Camden Sporties, said it had been a difficult day knowing that the authorities were predicting the floodwaters could rise by more than a metre compared to last time.
“We had everything set up after we cleaned out the clubhouse,” he said.
“We had just finished the gyprocking, the painting and also the carpets.
“Now the water is coming up very quickly.”
Mr Gordon said despite the fears that the club would be overrun for the second time in a month, he was bolstered by the community support.
He said residents and other clubs had pitched in to help with the cleanup and also to prepare for the rising floodwaters.
“I just want everyone to stay safe and dry and I thank everyone who has helped us out,” Mr Gordon said.
EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS
NSW SES is directing residents and businesses within parts of Camden to evacuate by 6pm on Thursday.
These areas include:
- Exeter Street west of John Street
- Milford Road Camden West
- Peter Avenue between Onslow Avenue and Belgenny Avenue
- Cawder Road between Barsden Street and Murray Street.
- Sheathers Lane
- Kirkham Lane
- Menangle Road near Racecourse Road may be isolated
- Poplar Caravan Park
The SES said once floodwater reaches 8.5 metres at the Camden Weir, the area will be isolated.
“If you remain in the area after 6pm Thursday, you may be trapped without power, water and other essential services and it may be too dangerous to rescue you,” the statement said.
“Where to go: Stay with family, friends or at accommodation outside of flood areas.
“If you are unable to do so, an evacuation centre has been established at Whitlam Leisure Centre, 90 Memorial Ave Liverpool.”
A minor to major flood warning has been issued for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers at Menangle and Camden.
The NSW SES is advising people in Picton CBD to prepare to evacuate as a result of rising flood waters.
“Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so,” the SES said.
“The NSW SES will issue a Flood Evacuation Order if evacuation is required.”
Residents and businesses at Edward Street, Mitchell Street, Elizabeth Street, Lerida Street, and Ulmarra Avenue and Argyle Street in Camden have also been told to prepare to evacuate.
Wollondilly Shire Council Mayor Matt Gould said a couple of communities have been temporarily isolated.
“We are starting to see with this heavy rain a lot of road closures and we have a few isolations to rural properties,” he said.
“The village of Yerranderie village and surrounds are currently isolated.
“Residents on Eagle Creek Rd, Werombi are also currently isolated.”
Cr Gould said the community was feeling a bit “worn out” after three such events in just a few weeks.
However he urged residents to still be on the alert and to be safe, and if possible avoid driving.
“It is something the SES have really asked me to spread the message about,” Cr Gould said.
“They have a whole heap of things they need to be doing and the last thing they need to do is flood rescues when someone has done something unnecessary.
“Don’t drive through floodwaters, it is not worth it.”
Cr Gould said the authorities had already received reports of flood impacts across the shire.
He said businesses and residents were “worn down”.
“We have been dealing with this for the better part of a month now,” Cr Gould said.
“I think people are well prepared but it is a stressful time and to be going through it yet again really takes its toll.”
FLOOD WARNINGS
Major flooding is occurring along the Upper Nepean River at Menangle and minor flooding is occurring at Camden.
The BoM predicts that the flooding will be higher than the March 2022 flood along the Upper Nepean River.
The Nepean River at Menangle Bridge may reach around 16.50 metres on Thursday afternoon with major flooding, higher than the March 2022 flood peak and similar to the April 1988 flood peak.
The Nepean River at Camden Weir may reach the major flood level by Thursday evening, at higher than the March 2022 flood peak.
SCHOOL CHANGES
Camden High School has told parents and students that it will be operating under a minimal supervision model.
“Whereby students may not have their regular teacher or class,” a statement said.
“The bus services for the school may be disrupted due to flooding and road closures.
“Students can access work online via CANVAS.”
ROAD CLOSURES
Residents are urged not to drive through floodwaters and to stay off the roads where possible.
Menangle Bridge has been closed due to flooding and Picton Rd between Mount Keira Rd and Wilton has also been shut off.
The Douglas Park causeway has also been closed as has Woodbridge Road.
Camden Council
- Cawdor Road/Sheathers Lane, Camden
- Smalls Road, Grasmere
- Anthony Road, Leppington
- Robinson Road, Bringelly
- Kirkham Lane, Kirkham
- Little Sandy Bridge,Camden
- Macquarie Grove Bridge, Kirkham
- Harrington Park Walkway (behind Coles), Harrington Park
- Harrington Parkway Bridge Pedestrian Underpass, Harrington Park
- Nepean River Cycleway (Camden Bike Track), Camden
Wollondilly Shire
- Menangle Road, Menangle
- Finns Road
- Douglas Park Drive, Causeway
- Woodbridge Rd
- Old Razorback Road, Razorback
- Eagle Creek Road
- Denmead Street/ Lennard Street
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