A MAJOR flood that submerged homes, roads and bridges in Moree is slowly receding, revealing what damage has been done.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The latest update from the State Emergency Service (SES) on Friday morning indicated the Mehi River had dropped back to 8.66m and was falling.
The river peaked at 10.43m early yesterday morning, cutting the town in half and forcing an evacuation order to be issued to hundreds of locals.
The Mehi River was continuing to experience moderate flood levels on Friday morning, and some properties and homes were still cut off and inaccessible to residents.
READ ALSO:
The river at Moree was expected to drop below the moderate flood level by Friday night, according to the SES.
The Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and SES crews will work together to make sure people can return to their homes safely, as soon as possible.
The SES update said assessments will be carried out to make sure essential services like sewerage, electricity and water are okay, and will look at any hazardous materials that floodwaters may have carried into residential areas.
Rapid cleaning crews will be deployed to Moree to help residents.
Anyone who may still be isolated can contact the SES for assistance on 132 500.
Moree Plains Shire Council advised residents in the communities of Ashely and Garah that groceries and essential supplies will be choppered in by emergency services.
Coles supermarket in Moree only was taking click and collect orders on Friday morning, to be delivered by helicopter to cut off communities later today.
More information and updates can be found at the SES website or on the Moree Plains Shire Council Facebook page.
The NSW SES all warns residents of hazards they could face upon returning home:
- Make sure your property is safe before entering
- Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof
- Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off before going inside
- If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to floodwater or are water damaged in any way, they must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use
- Gas appliances and gas bottles that have been exposed to floodwater should be inspected for safety before use
- Wear protective clothing, including boots and gloves when cleaning up
- Be aware of any slip, trip or fall hazards
- Never eat food which has been in contact with floodwater
- Only use clean utensils and personal items and have a supply of fresh drinking water
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
