Slow-moving floods cut off communities as SES ramps up supply drops across regional NSW

Residents in parts of regional NSW face worsening flood conditions as SES deploys helicopters to deliver essential supplies, warning flood levels may approach those seen in historical disasters.

Pictures of floods at Walgett

Residents in parts of regional New South Wales face worsening flood conditions as SES deploys helicopters to deliver essential supplies, warning flood levels may approach those seen in historical disasters.

NSW SES have utilised helicopters to drop off essential food, water and medical supplies to locals who are facing up to six weeks of isolation due to cut off roads.

Food supplies for Northern NSW flooding. Picture: Supplied.

As of April 4, NSW SES has responded to 1,400 incidents including 19 resupply requests.

The areas of focus for the SES are western, northwestern and northeastern NSW.

NSW SES spokesman Andrew Edmunds said: “People are staying in their homes, particularly in Paroo, they are preparing for isolating for up to 6 weeks.”

Helicopters in use for SES supply drops for Northern NSW flooding areas. Picture: Supplied.

In western NSW, flooding is occurring along the Paroo River and Warrego river as water is directed down from Queensland.

“Moderate flooding is expected on Warrego river,” Mr Edmunds said.

“It’s currently at minor levels but it’s expected to go to major levels early next week ... it’s currently rising.”

Warnings are being made that the forecasts levels could likely approach those of the historical 1990 and 2010 floods.

“The major flood level is four metres high and at the moment it’s at 2.4 metres,” Mr Edmunds said.

“There have been 25 flood rescues consisting of mostly vehicles in water.”

Liverpool Plains Shire Council advises Premer to Spring Ridge Road closed due to flooding. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Edmunds explained the movement of water will be slow but consistent.

“That’s the nature of western floods,” he said.

“It’s slow moving water flowing downstream from Queensland so it could take seven days for the water to rise, then it hangs around and then continues to move downstream”.

Mehi River in Moree

The SES is working with the community and agricultural owners across northern NSW.

In northwestern NSW, flooding is occurring at Pilliga, Gwabegar and Wee Waa.

Pictures of floods at Walgett

Flood rescue teams are positioned in Moree, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Tenterfield and Inverell.

Significant rainfalls over the last week indicate it is likely to worsen before improving.

This week, the SES deployed more than 750 personnel, rescue assets, vehicles and flood rescue teams to high-risk areas across the state.

Northeastern NSW have also seen significant rainfall across the border, however, with the weather system moving offshore it is forecast to settle.

Rangari Rd, Northern NSW

A flooding alert for the Northern Rivers, Mid-North Coast and North West Slopes has also been issued.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said flood waters will take some time to move through the state and pleaded to not drive through flooded roads.

“We are actively working with affected communities to ensure everyone stays informed, and together we are supporting those isolated residents” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

Photos of flooding at Walgett

Mr Edmunds said there are no current evacuation warnings across the state and that “most of those people are prepared to isolate”.

Originally published as Slow-moving floods cut off communities as SES ramps up supply drops across regional NSW