Lismore residents have been forced to leave their homes after the NSW State Emergency Service ordered all citizens to evacuate before 5am on Monday morning due to “extremely dangerous” floods.
The flooding in NSW’s north came as Queensland’s floods have so far claimed the lives of seven people, after police confirmed the death of a 59-year-old man.
Meanwhile, in NSW, a man in Lismore is feared dead. NSW Police officers on Sunday saw the man calling for help but quickly lost sight of him, with fears he may have been washed down a drain.
Officers were forced to call off the search for the man’s body on Sunday due to dangerous conditions, but will resume the search on Monday.
The seventh Queensland death was confirmed by police on Monday morning.
“Around 4.15pm [on Sunday] the man came into trouble crossing Cabbage Tree Creek Road on foot, where he was swept away by floodwaters,” a Queensland Police statement said.
“Two members of the public raised the alarm, calling police and emergency services and went to the man’s aid, conducting CPR. Despite the best efforts of attending paramedics, the 59-year-old Carseldine man died at the scene.”
State Emergency Service personnel take to flood water on Sunday in Logan, south of Brisbane.Credit:Getty
Lismore residents woke to the sounds of sirens as its levee was breached after being hit with 406mm of rain between 9am on Sunday and 4pm on Monday. The town of Dunoon was hit with 582mm between the same time period.
Evacuation orders are now in place for several areas across northern NSW, including parts of South Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Mullumbimby and Coraki, with the town of Casino also told to prepare for evacuation.
NSW Police have also declared Lismore CBD off-limits to all pedestrians and vehicular traffic after being “inundated” with water.
“For the safety of YOU and your FAMILY please evacuate the township NOW!” the Richmond police district said on its social media pages.
As the situation continues to worsen in the area, the Northern Rivers NSW State Emergency Service issued a plea for patience when it came to the surge of requests on Monday morning.
“If you drop out, please try again and if the situation is life-threatening, hang up and dial 000,” the local SES wrote on its Facebook page.
“The situation in Lismore and surrounds is extremely dangerous and rapidly evolving. NSW SES continues to receive requests from residents to assist with evacuations.”
In Queensland, the Brisbane River is set to peak over four metres by 8am AEST (9am AEDT). Evacuation centres have also been opened in the Gold Coast as flood levels continue to rise.
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