Editors note: Vision of damage assessments, briefings in the Tweed area and interviews are available via hightail: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/3eBqCgrCBw
NSW SES crews are working through the impacts of Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred as they undertake damage assessments and resupply isolated communities across Northern NSW.
As evacuations are downgraded and communities start to return home, NSW SES is leading more than 50 multi-agency damage assessment teams across the Northern Rivers.
The crews have already completed more than 1,100 damage assessments today, with plans to move further south over the next three days. Three hundred and thirty-four damage assessments were also completed in Kyogle yesterday.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said the focus is on identifying flood damage and ensuring properties are safe.
“As these assessments continue, we will have more of an understanding of the impacts of Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the trail of destruction it has left behind,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
The crews are also mobilising Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to support with air observations of damaged properties and recording the damage.
“The drones are capturing imagery of areas that are not easily accessible from the ground,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
“They are improving efficiency, meaning volunteers are getting through the rapid assessments faster and getting residents back in their homes sooner.”
With conditions improving across the Northern Rivers, communities are returning to their homes and businesses are reopening.
“While we are pleased to see communities start their road to recovery, we urge those returning home to ensure their properties are safe and to check for damage before entering,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
The NSW SES has received more than 60 requests for resupply, supporting communities from the west of Port Macquarie, through the Upper Clarence and into the Northern Rivers.
The NSW SES is also resupplying isolated communities in Northern NSW, including 150 people in Thora.
If you are isolated and need the NSW SES to assist with urgent food, water and medical supplies, call 132 500. If it is a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). The number of isolated properties is dynamically changing as flood water recedes.
Over the last 24 hours, isolations have occurred at Billinudgel, Bungawalbin, Carrs Island, Coraki, Coutts Crossing, Darkwood Road Thora, East Coraki, West Coraki, Richmond Terrace, Glenreagh Village, Harwood, Chatsworth, Warregah and Goodwood Islands, Parts of Kangaroo and Middle Creek, rural properties along the Kalang River, Shark Creek Road Tyndale, Tumbulgum, Stotts Island, Woodburn, Yamba and Iluka.
To stay up to date on the latest information and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app or visit ses.nsw.gov.au
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234