Author Topic: Natural disaster declared in NSW  (Read 4500 times)

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Offline Sonnabend

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Natural disaster declared in NSW
« on: January 05, 2008, 02:05:39 AM »
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23011135-2,00.html

PARTS of the New South Wales north coast have been declared natural disaster areas after heavy rain and severe flooding. NSW Emergency Services Minister Nathan Rees has officially declared the Tweed and Kyogle local government areas natural disaster zones after visiting the region today.

"We are still considering natural disaster declarations for the Richmond valley and Lismore, depending on whether there is further rainfall tonight,'' a spokesman for the minister said.The declaration triggers a range of assistance for residents and business operators in the region, including low-interest loans and other financial help.Some councils, clubs and community groups will also be eligible for assistance to repair damaged property.

he floods have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents from the northern NSW town of Kyogle as floodwaters peaked at the second highest level on record.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a 18.1m flood peak was recorded on the Richmond River at Kyogle at 11.30am (AEDT) today. "This is the second highest flood peak on record at Kyogle,'' the bureau said in a statement.
Despite the peak having passed, emergency crews in the area will continue to monitor floodwaters, a State Emergency Service (SES) spokeswoman says.

"We evacuated the town and surrounding areas about mid morning before the peak and are continuing to monitor the situation,'' the spokeswoman said



The North Coast borders Queensland which is a tropical zone and a large tourist destination. Like many such areas, the coastal towns depend on the summer trade for business, and these storms will also hurt the farmers who are or were preparing their crops for harvest.

It is a dairy region as well, meaning that livestock is the lifeblood of residents...losses will hit them hard.

Here's a photo of Kyogle area


Offline Schadenfreude

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Re: Natural disaster declared in NSW
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2008, 05:31:10 AM »
That's really beautiful country - I'm almost partial to river valleys over coastal areas. Hope they get relief from the rain soon.
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Offline Flame

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Re: Natural disaster declared in NSW
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2008, 07:58:18 AM »
Hope they get relief soon!