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SES TO THE RESCUE

Numerous local roads were closed due to flooding during the week as NSW SES volunteers were called out to help.

Volunteers from NSW SES The Hills Unit attended more than 15 calls for assistance last weekend.

Most calls for assistance were for leaking roofs and trees down across Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill and Kellyville.

Nsw SesOn Wednesday, a combined team of volunteers from The Hills and Parramatta departed for the South Coast to assist with the recovery effort.

Since midnight Saturday (25 July), NSW SES received 1,116 requests for assistance from towns on the South Coast impacted by the weather, with 366 jobs still to be completed.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York praised the efforts of SES volunteers, who have responded to more than 2,200 jobs since midnight Saturday (25 July).

“From Newcastle to Sydney, the Illawarra, and down to the Southern Highlands, our volunteers have been on the ground helping local communities,” Commissioner York said.

“While we have attended the usual requests for assistance such as removing fallen trees and helping with damaged roofs, we have also been rescuing stranded animals.

“Our Wingecarribee Unit helped save four donkeys at a farm in Burradoo, south of Bowral, while our Kiama Unit helped save three cows and their calves at a farm in Falls Creek.

“Unfortunately, we also received several calls from motorists that had driven across flooded roads and become stranded.

“It is disappointing to see some members of the community putting themselves, and their passengers, at risk.

“I strongly urge motorists to never drive, ride or walk through flood water.

Commissioner York said despite the weather slowly easing, people need to stay vigilant.

“If you do need to drive, please plan your trip by visiting Live Traffic NSW – roads are still wet, and many may be closed due to flooding.

“I also encourage people to move cars from under trees, secure loose items that may blow away in strong winds, and please stay away from fallen powerlines,” Commissioner York said.

For emergency assistance during storm and flood emergencies call 132 500.

For information on when to call the NSW SES for assistance, Visit: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/when-to-call/

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