Saturday, March 17th, 2012
North east Kimberley: Flood warning
People in northeast Kimberley river catchments are warned to prepare for flooding.
This includes the Forrest, Pentecost, Drysdale and King Edward Rivers.
You can read a FESA statement here:
Date of issue: 6.40pm
Date of issue: 17 March 2012
Continue to take action for moderate to major flooding in the Forrest, Pentecost, Drysdale and King Edward River Catchments in the north Kimberley
People in Kalumburu need to take action as major flooding is being experienced on the King Edward River and people inthe north Kimberley need to take action as moderate to major flooding is being experienced on the Drysdale River.
There is a possible threat to lives and homes due to rising water levels in local rivers and streams. Water will be fast flowing and levels will rise quickly.
WHAT TO DO:
FESA’s State Emergency Service (SES)/Volunteer Emergency Service (VES) advises you to:
• Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to relocate.
• Ensure your relocation kit, including your emergency kit is complete.
• Relocate equipment and livestock so they do not get caught in floodwaters.
• Prepare pet food or stockfeed in case you cannot return home for a few days.
• Never walk, swim or play in floodwaters as they are dangerous.
• Do not go near storm drains and pipes, ditches and ravines, as they are dangerous.
• With water moving quickly people need to stay out of the King Edward and Drysdale Rivers, this includes no swimming or kayaking.
• If you are a traveller do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.
If driving:
• Floodways and river levels may rise rapidly so be careful at crossings.
• Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
• Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.
• If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it immediately and seek shelter above floodwater.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The Great Northern Highway from Port Hedland to Broome is closed.
For further details call Main Roads WA on 138 138.
FLOOD DETAILS:
As at 5.01pm the Bureau of Meteorology advises rainfall totals in the North Kimberley have generally been less than 7mm. Rainfall totals of 25-50mm are forecast for the North Kimberley for the 24 hours to 9am Sunday.
Due to heavy rainfall totals earlier in the week major flooding is being experienced on the King Edward River at Kalumburu. Moderate to major flooding is being experienced on the Drysdale River at Drysdale River Station.
Major flooding is expected to continue for the next 36 hours along rivers in the Pentecost, Forrest, Drysdale and King Edward River catchments as floodwaters move downstream.
For the latest flood information visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood or call 1300 659 213.
Current river levels are available from Department of Water at www.water.wa.gov.au.
WHAT SES and VES VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING:
Fourty one people from Kalumburu have been relocated.
SES are assisting with the infrastructure in Kalumburu.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
• For SES assistance call 132 500
• In a life threatening situation call 000
• For the latest flood information call 1300 659 213 or visit www.bom.gov.au/wa/flood.
• For information about road conditions and closures contact the local shire or Main Roads WA on 138 138.
KEEP UP TO DATE:
Call 1300 657 209, visit www.fesa.wa.gov.au or listen to news bulletins.
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