People in the north-west community of Namoi Village have been ordered to evacuate by 4pm on Wednesday, November 9 by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Continuous widespread flooding along the Namoi River has caused the sewerage system in Namoi Village, located just outside of Walgett, to fail.
The village will lose access to essential services by 4pm on Wednesday, November 9, causing a high risk to residents' health and safety.
READ ALSO:
The NSW SES will go door-knocking on Tuesday to help prepare people for the evacuation.
Residents will be relocated to emergency accommodation by welfare services if they choose to evacuate. Ferry services are in place between Namoi Village and Walgett and these can be accessed to assist with the evacuations.
Given the situation could change quickly, the SES will continue monitoring and update warnings if necessary.
What people at Namoi Village need to do:
- If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, use it now.
- Gather your possessions for evacuation. These might include mobile phone, charger, battery-powered radio, medicine, rain gear, warm clothes, blankets, baby and pet items, water, food, torch, something to attract attention, and valuables like photos and insurance or banking records.
- Gather your pet(s) and companion animals for safe travel.
- Relocate waste containers, chemicals, and poisons well above floor level.
- The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute.
- Immediately move to a safer location away from present and potential flooding. Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location away from present and potential flooding.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over on higher ground away from trees, drains, low-lying areas, and floodwater. Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.
- Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris, and damaged roads or bridges.
- Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
- Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater - it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it's flooded, forget it. Fines apply.
- Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
Areas around Walgett and Brewarrina have been some of the many hit hard by floods in recent weeks.
Many people in the region remain isolated, and NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell - who played for the Walgett Aboriginal Connection at the recent Koori Knockout - has been among the many to send messages of support to the small communities.
Elsewhere, major flooding continues at Warren while Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine may all experience minor flooding on Tuesday.
In the 24 hours up to 3pm on Tuesday, the NSW SES responded to 293 requests for assistance.
There are currently 100 NSW SES warnings in effect; 10 at Emergency Warning level, 64 Watch and Act, and 20 at Advice.
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
- 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