THE NSW State Emergency Service is actively preparing communities in the Northern Rivers, Tweed Valley and Mid North Coast for the impact of a rare Tropical Cyclone Alfred with additional personnel, specialised assets, and dedicated equipment now prepositioned in the region.
NSW SES is also facilitating more 20 community meetings in towns across the impacted areas to ensure residents are aware of the risks, forecasts and how to prepare.
More than 50 volunteers have departed in 15 different specialist vehicles from Units across Greater Sydney including Auburn, Bankstown, Blacktown, Camden, City of Sydney, Hornsby, and Liverpool, in support of local SES units.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said the NSW SES and emergency partners are working hard to ensure communities are best prepared for the potential impacts.
“Assets including communication equipment, high clearance vehicles, aircraft and support personnel have now been deployed to the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast ahead of the Tropical Cyclone Alfred making landfall on Thursday or Friday,” Ms Hogan said.
“These volunteers are highly trained flood rescue and storm operators, and they bring with them a series of general purpose, light storm and medium storm vehicles.
“Sandbagging supplies are actively being restocked with location points available on the NSW SES website and advertised on local social media pages.”
The impacts of the cyclone are already starting to be felt in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast areas of New South Wales.
“This is an unpredictable, multi-hazard weather event and residents in the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers need to prepare for damaging and destructive winds and heavy rainfall which can cause flooding.”” Ms Hogan said.
She also urged the community to remain calm and support each other during the severe weather event.
“There’s no need to panic buy, supermarkets have good supply chains and transport routes are currently open,” she said.
“If your community becomes isolated and needs resupply of essential goods, NSW SES will assist with this. Communities should be preparing their properties, staying up to date with the latest warnings and supporting each other during this time.”
The NSW SES advises residents to prepare their homes for strong winds, by putting away loose items around their home, trimming trees aways from properties and not parking vehicles under trees or powerlines.
Prepare an emergency kit with essential items including identification documents, medications, a torch, mobile phone charger and a battery-operated radio.
The NSW SES is advising people to download the Hazards Near Me app which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.
If you need assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.
A Cyclone Watch and Flood Watch have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Catchments listed in the flood watch include:
Tweed and Rous Rivers moderate to major flooding;
Brunswick River and Marshalls Creek moderate to major flooding;
Wilsons River moderate to major flooding;
Richmond River moderate to major flooding;
Clarence River moderate to major flooding;
Orara River moderate to major flooding;
Coffs Coast;
Bellinger and Kalang Rivers moderate to major flooding;
Nambucca River moderate to major flooding;
Macleay River moderate to major flooding;
Hastings River moderate to major flooding; and
Camden Haven River moderate to major flooding;
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the NSW Government is supporting the NSW State Emergency Service as they do all they can to prepare ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred crossing the coast.
“Now is the time for residents in the affected areas to get ready for damaging winds, large powerful surf, coastal erosion, and intense and heavy rainfall,” Mr Dib said.
“We are asking the community to take steps now to ensure that if you are asked to evacuate your home you have a plan for this and know where you will go.
“Please download the Hazards Near Me App which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.”
Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said keeping people safe is a top priority.
“Emergency teams are mobilised and a comprehensive whole-of-government plan is underway,” she said.
“Now is the time to get ready – have an evacuation plan, stay informed and follow SES advice. Download the Hazards Near Me app for local updates and check in on your neighbours.
“The Northern Rivers community is strong and resilient, but we know this weather event is causing a real concern. We assure the community – emergency services are on the ground and ready to help.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin is receiving regular briefings and updates from the SES, police and other combat agencies.
“The message I’m giving to people here on the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast is to listen to SES advice and be prepared for what is a rare, unpredictable weather event for our region,” she said.
“All forecasting points to us experiencing a lot of strong winds and heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Alfred heads towards the coast and crosses land.
“Our emergency services are putting more personnel and resources in place. The community can help them by securing their properties or businesses in a practical sense, and wherever possible, stay at home and not take to the roads, waiting for the danger period to pass, then keep an eye on river levels afterwards.”
Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers Updates
Current Self-Serve Sandbag Locations
For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on132500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies. All emergency service agencies are ready to support affected communities.
People who require mental health support can also call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by specialist mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.
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