The heavy rainfall and wet-weather conditions on Saturday, December 2 had the Yass SES Unit responding to nine requests for assistance.
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Seven were fallen trees and two were flood-related.
“Initial BOM estimates did not eventuate in most places, with rainfall figures being significantly lower than initially predicted,” volunteer support office Max Slarke said.
“Two flood-rescue technicians were deployed from Sydney to compliment Yass’ flood-rescue capability.
The technicians were from SES Canterbury and SES Hurstville units. They were based in Yass to help cover the Yass, Harden and Young areas.
“Thankfully, no rescues were requested or undertaken,” Mr Slarke said.
During the weekend, the Yass unit had the following resources at its disposal:
- 23 active members on standby
- Three powered boats capable of flood rescue and qualified members to man them
- One flood-rescue boat
- One storm truck fully equipped
- One response vehicle
- One logistics vehicle and storm trailer
- Two local flood rescue technicians on standby from 6pm on Friday, December 1.
- One out-of-area flood-rescue team with a rescue boat that arrived late Friday night to cover the rest of the weekend
On Saturday night, the Sutton SES unit closed Booths Crossing on Yass River Road after Yass Valley Council determined it to be overflowing. It rose 10 cm in 30 minutes.
On Monday, the Sutton unit in partnership with Queanbeyan SES unit sent a flood team (rescue technicians and boat operators) to the NSW SES Illawarra South Coast Region to assist in operations.
Currently, the state headquarters has increased its staffing to ensure sufficient resources are available during this unsettled weather period.
For emergency assistance in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500 or 000 in a life-threatening emergency.
