While much of the Great Lakes has dodged a bullet, the past 72 hours has been a busy period for Forster Pacific Palms SES volunteers, many assisting in the flood devastated Manning Valley.
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Depending on the tides and the amount of rain, both Point, Chapmans and Blackhead roads have been ebbing and flowing, while Failford Road remains closed.
During the past 24 hours the unit has rescued seven residents, on two separate occasions, from rising floodwaters along the Wallamba River.
In both instances, floodwater was lapping the front verandahs of the Elliots Road, Nabiac residences.
"The residents couldn't get out, they were surrounded by water," unit commander, Greg Dodd said.
"And, they were concerned they would run out of food.
"They were very happy to see us."
The residents couldn't get out, they were surrounded by water.
- Greg Dodd
Also during the weekend the unit helped their colleagues in Wingham and Taree with the rescue of a family of two adults and two children from a property at Glenthorne.
Water had reached the first level of the two storey house, and they wanted to get the children to safety, Mr Dodd said.
"The conditions are just horrific.
"I have been with the SES for 12 years (last Thursday) and this is the worst it has ever been."
Mr Dodd acknowledged and thanked all the volunteers, who he said had been giving 150 per cent in very trying conditions.
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"While I have been away in Taree they have been sandbagging and attending to fallen trees and leaking roof incidents.
"We are doing a lot better here than in Taree and Wingham."
Volunteers have also been assisted with filling sandbags by members of the RFS and the public.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
