South Australian agencies have sent a team of Swift Water Rescue Technicians to support the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES), as it responds to severe storms, dangerous rainfalls and life-threatening flash floods.
Chief Officer of the South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES), Chris Beattie said 12 technicians, from SASES and the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS), were expected to operate in a support capacity in NSW last week (1-4 March).
Chief Officer Beattie said South Australia had recently experienced first-hand the devastating impact flooding could have on communities.
“Our thoughts go out to the people of New South Wales during this time,’’ he said.
“New South Wales emergency services are working with a range of State and National Agencies to provide a coordinated response to this event and SASES and SAMFS personnel will be part of that.
“South Australia has a long history of providing assistance to other States in times of need.
“The rescue technicians will play an important role in supporting the NSW SES during this severe weather event.’’
Chief Officer Beattie said thousands of NSW residents were forced to evacuate their homes as flood waters affected the State’s north-east.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the low-pressure system impacting the area was “dangerous and potentially life threatening”.