Bellinger River Tourist Park, Repton flooding - Evacuate now
ISSUED
NEXT UPDATE
NSW State Emergency Service
Emergency Warning
Evacuate now
The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) to EVACUATE NOW due to rising, unsafe flooding:
- Bellinger River Tourist Park
- Mylestom Drive and surrounding low-lying houses on Keevers Drive
You must evacuate now because evacuation routes may be closed due to floodwater.
Evacuation Information
You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. If you are unable to find accommodation, Evacuation centres have been set up at:
- Urunga CEX, 2 North Street, Urunga NSW
If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises moderate flooding is continuing across the Bellinger and Kalang River catchments.
Locally intense and heavy rainfall remains possible for Thursday, which may lead to dangerous flash flooding and cause higher river levels along the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:
- Campgrounds and caravan sites near rivers or creeks
- Minor roads may be closed, and low-level bridges submerged.
- Farmland and rural areas
This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.
What you need to do:
- If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, follow it.
- Gather your possessions for evacuation. These might include mobile phone, charger, battery-powered radio, medicine, rain gear, warm clothes, blankets, baby and pet items, water, food, torch, something to attract attention, and valuables like photos and insurance or banking records.
- People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground.
- Gather your pet(s) and companion animals for safe travel.
- Relocate waste containers, chemicals, and poisons well above floor level.
- The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute.
- Immediately move to a safer location away from present and potential flooding. Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location away from present and potential flooding.
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over on higher ground away from trees, drains, low-lying areas, and floodwater. Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.
- Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris, and damaged roads or bridges.
- Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
- Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater - it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it's flooded, forget it. Fines apply.
- Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
For more information:
- Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
- Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones to get warning information for your areas.
- Follow us on social media @NSWSES or visit our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk
- Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/
- Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.
For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: media@ses.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 067 234