Residents in parts of Wagga Wagga in the New South Wales Riverina have been ordered to evacuate as floodwaters rise.
The State Emergency Service has told people in and around low-lying areas to leave before 6pm on Sunday evening, August 7.
The areas include:
• Edward Street West
• Flowerdale Road
•Roach Road
• McNickle Road
•Lower Gardener Street
•Wilks Park
• Eunony Bridge Road
•Mill Street
The SES says once flood waters reach 8.7 meters at the Wagga gauge, roads will be cut and access to water and sewerage may be lost.
SES deputy southern zone commander Barry Griffiths said the order had been issued because of concerns roads would be cut off, rather than houses being inundated.
He said about 120 residents were affected by the order.
“Essentially this one’s been done on the public safety issue,” he said.
“Properties should be OK at these levels but there are some areas of the North Wagga area, north of the Murrumbidgee River, that do experience quite rapid water moving through which is dangerous to motorists.
“Even shallow water is capable of killing.”
People who choose to stay after 6pm could be trapped without power and it may be too dangerous for the SES to rescue them.
Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends but there is an evacuation center at Kyeamba Smith Hall, at the Wagga Wagga Showground.
Farmer prepares for floodwater
John Keough, who owns more than 20 hectares on the floodplain near Flowerdale Lagoon, has prepared livestock and equipment to be moved if needed.
He said he was not overly concerned about his property being impacted.
“We’re on the river so it floods, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful spot, beautiful soil and the reason is because you get floods so you just live with that.”
Moderate flooding is also possible at Narrandera from Tuesday.
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