Fed: Finer weather provides flood striken towns with reprieve

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2004
Fed: Finer weather provides flood striken towns with reprieve

BRISBANE, Dec 11 AAP - Clean-up operations were underway across the eastern states
of Australia today as finer weather offered flood stricken towns a short reprieve.

A State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman said most river systems in the hardest hit
areas of inland NSW had peaked overnight and water levels were starting to recede.

More than 140 SES volunteers were on the ground in northern NSW to assist with clean
up operations, after several days of heavy rain caused major flooding in the region.

The spokesman said 120 people had been evacuated from 40 homes in Narrabri, however
most residents would be returning to their houses today.

A disaster relief centre had been established in the town to provide residents with
medical aid, food and accommodation assistance.

The lack of rain overnight meant the Namoi River had reached its peak yesteday afternoon
and water levels were falling.

The spokesman said flood levels in the nearby town of Wee Waa, 570km north-west of
Sydney, had also peaked overnight at 7.19 metres which was below the flood levy level.

Up to 14 people had been evacuated from Wee Waa, which was now cut off with all roads
and the local railway closed and unlikely to re-open for another week.

SES volunteers were on standby in boats and helicopters for food drops and any further
possible evacuations.

In north-western NSW, the rain had eased around the Moree area, however it was expected
that water levels would peak around Wednesday causing minor flooding.

SES volunteers were today sandbagging homes and businesses as a precaution.

In southern Queensland, the weather conditions also eased overnight with sunny conditions
prevailing for the first time in several days.

However, the weather bureau today forecast possible afternoon thunderstorms along coastal
regions.

The SES was urging residents not to drive, ride or walk through flooded areas and to
call the SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance. AAP jus/cjh

KEYWORD: FLOOD DAYLEAD

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.