Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have worked around the clock to assist residents and the SES through the treacherous conditions that continue to hit the NSW Coast.
FRNSW has mobilised over 22 trucks, 100 firefighters, and four flood water strike teams to assist with the crisis as it continues to unfold.
Seven water rescue technicians from FRNSW Station 357 Lambton are a part of Strike Team Zulu and were deployed to the Mid North Coast to assist the SES with rescues and evacuations.
Since lunchtime on Friday 19 March, units have performed in excess of 200 rescues, while land-based rescuers have performed over 100.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the strike teams can respond to a wide range of emergencies and will continue to assist the NSW SES with the ongoing conditions.
“Whilst the NSW SES is the combat agency for flood rescue in NSW, FRNSW provides them with support in situations of extreme weather, where there is high demand,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“With the rapid onset of extreme weather that we’ve seen on the coast of NSW this weekend, we have deployed numerous resources to the flood-stricken areas to provide our assistance, and to ensure we are prepared for anything that may eventuate.”
Firefighters have responded to calls for assistance, helped with large scale evacuations, and responded to people stranded in rising floodwaters right across the Mid North Coast.
Additional crews have been flown in to assist from other areas around the state, and crews continue to work around the clock.
Multiple storm and flood warnings are active across the East Coast of NSW and are expected to remain in place for the next 24-48 hours.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW SES on 132 500, or visit their website.
For all life-threatening emergencies, residents are reminded call Triple Zero (000).
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