NSW SES is responding to ongoing flooding in Western NSW as flows from Queensland cause river rises to pass historic levels.
Major flooding is occurring on the Paroo River, reaching five metres at 3pm this afternoon and still rising. This surpasses the previous record of 4.90 metres during the 1990 flood event.
A “prepare to evacuate” warning was issued for Wanaaring and surrounds late yesterday in the event the situation escalates. It is no longer possible for residents to leave by road and should residents need to evacuate. Contingencies are in place to relocate people via aircraft and the NSW SES has personnel and rescue assets located inside the township of Wanaaring to assist if required.
NSW SES Western Zone Deputy Incident Controller Annabelle Watson said over the coming weeks, we will see prolonged peaks through a lot of these regional communities.
“Floodwater across Western NSW does move slowly due to the typography of the land. It slowly moves across the floodplains, back into water courses as it moves downstream south into the Darling system and eventually into the Menindee Lakes,” Superintendent Watson said.
“We want the community to prepare now to isolate for an extended period of time, evaluate their own risk and move early if they require to.”
Superintendent Watson encouraged those impacted to consider their families need to evacuate.
“Extended isolations of 6-10 weeks will limit access to essential services and supplies. Those who choose to stay could face power outages and loss of communication.
“The ability to leave by vehicle is rapidly changing and roads could close at short notice.”
Superintendent Watson said a number of volunteers and assets are deployed in Western NSW in addition to local volunteers to support the communities.
“We have aviation assets positioned in Bourke and Walgett, high clearance vehicles at Bourke and Wanaaring and additional vessels and general purpose vehicles to make sure we can respond to communities in a timely manner,” she said.
“We are here to support with resupply of essential food, water and medical supplies so there is absolutely no need to go near or through floodwaters. If you do need assistance with resupplies, please call us on 132 500.”
Moderate flooding is also occurring on the Warrego River at Barringun with flows expected to move downstream with a peak forecast for around Friday.
Meanwhile in North Western NSW, moderate flooding is continuing along the Namoi River at Bugilbone, where river levels are slowly receding. The Barwon River at Mungindi is currently above the minor flood level, with further rises possible.
Resupply missions have been undertaken for communities isolated around Mungindi, Weemelah, Gwabegar and Wee Waa.
For up-to-date warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app or visit the NSW SES Website.
If you need assistance during a storm or flood, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call triple zero (000).
Photo: Aerial flood photo in Wanaaring NSW, 7 April 2025.
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234