THE SES has issued an evacuation order for residents in the Murwillumbah in the Murwillumbah CBD as there is now a chance the Tweed River could break parts of the levee wall.
Residents in the area bounded by Church Street, Riverview Street, and the bend on Commercial Road, including all residences on Commercial Road, York Street, Tumbulgum Road and George Street are all ordered to evacuate.
Businesses in the CBD have been sandbagging through the night and water is entering businesses along Wharf Street.
The Bureau of Meteorology has revised the prediction for the Tweed River to reach 6.2m at Murwillumbah early this morning with between 500mm to 712 mm of rain recorded in the 24 hours to 12.30 pm.
The Murwillumbah CBD floods when the river reaches 6.3m and the SES is advising the Murwillumbah CBD and East Murwillumbah levee may overtop some sections at this height.
The NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the Murwillumbah CBD and East Murwillumbah to evacuate immediately to higher ground within Murwillumbah.
Do not delay your evacuation. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.
Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements.
For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been set up by Family and Community Services at Kings Sacred Heart (Catholic Hall) Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah.
As you evacuate you should;
- Take your important documents, mementos and photos.
- Take your spare clothing, medicines and personal hygiene supplies.
- If going to the evacuation centre take blankets/sleeping bags, pillows and sleeping mats.
- If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help.
- Turn off the electricity and gas.
- Never drive ride or walk through floodwater.
- Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500 NSW SES website: http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au
