EVERYTHING from eskies to octopus have washed up on local beaches after an intense storm cell dumped hundreds of millimetres of rain across the Hastings last week.
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The Hastings River at Kindee Bridge peaked at 7.63 metres on Friday, March 23 with major flooding.
The Hastings River at Wauchope peaked at 4.31 metres on Friday, March 23 with moderate flooding.
The Hastings River at Settlement Point reached just below the minor flood level of 1.13 metres.
State Emergency Service (SES) units across the Mid North Coast were kept busy managing the flooding threat to properties in low-lying areas, road and bridge closures and calls for assistance as a low pressure system combined with coastal storms brought three days on heavy rain across the catchment.
SES Unit Controller at Port Macquarie, Michael Ward, said his crew was called out to more than 40 requests for assistance as localised flash flooding caused havoc on roads and roofs began leaking. There was a total of 68 requests for assistance across the Hastings LGA.
“We had a combination of riverine flooding where the water runs down the catchment from Mount Seaview and an intense coastal downpour which means we had to monitor the Hastings River closely to see what it was going to do,” Mr Ward said.
While the North Shore fell just below the minor flood level there were some properties isolated on Maria River Road.
“Once again, I am exceptionally proud of our members and the assistance that they provided protecting their community over the last week,” Mr Ward added.
It doesn’t matter how many times we issue this warning, people just aren’t listening to our our advice to never walk, ride or drive in floodwater.
- SES Unit Controller, Michael Ward
He did reiterate one important message however – if it’s flooded, forget it.
“It doesn’t matter how many times we issue this warning, people just aren’t listening to our our advice to never walk, ride or drive in floodwater. We were called out to one flood rescue at Telegraph Point – not only does it consume a lot of resources but it also puts the lives of our crew at unnecessary risk.”
The SES extends it thanks to all services for coming together to manage last week’s weather incident.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is now cleaning up Town, Oxley and Flynns Beach with tonnes of debris to be removed from the shoreline.
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Tracey Fairhurst
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. If you have a story to share, email tracey.fairhurst@austcommunitymedia.com.au
