Environment

16,000 evacuated in New South Wales as flood waters rise

by Amy Judd | May 23, 2009 at 09:23 am

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Evacuations continuted in New South Wales as 16,000 have now been evacuated, and over 100 have been rescued as the flood waters have continued to rise in this region of Australia. Two people have been reported dead and the State Emergency Service have asked all residents and businesses in Kempsey and the surrounding towns to leave. The Macleay River is expected to exceed its flood level today and 2,000 people are in danger in this area if it does.

“The peak is gradually going through Kempsey at the moment,” Delaney said. “It’s still very rough and windy and the rain will continue for another 12 to 24 hours before it starts to ease off.”

A 70-year-old man was found just south of Coffs Harbor and it is believed that he drowned.
South East Queensland is also in danger as it has many low-lying areas and residents have been asked to sandbag their homes.

Ships are still being asked to stay outside of Newcastle Port, unless they have to dock so there are some ship arrivals and departures.

Prime Mininster Kevin Rudd said:

The government is “working with local authorities on what needs to be done in terms of response to that extraordinary downpour and the damage which has resulted from it