David Lee,  Narrandera Argus

Narrandera and surrounds are currently experiencing rising flood levels with more than 20 residents having evacuated their homes as of Monday. And it’s not over yet, with showers and storms expected over the coming days.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised the main flood peak along the Murrumbidgee River approached Narrandera, where major flooding was expected on Tuesday afternoon, with the river peaking at 8.20m.

Many roads and highways across the region were closed, with access to Gillenbah and the Sturt and Newell Highways closed from the Larmer Street Cadell Street intersection.

Flood operations are being conducted by WaterNSW at Burrinjuck Dam. The dam releases will vary subject to inflow and downstream tributary flow rates. WaterNSW are working closely with the Bureau, NSW SES and landholders to plan release strategies.

Narrandera resident, John Mead, who lives about a kilometre from the Murrumbidgee River, said, “In 1974 my neighbour was fixing his house. He said the flood waters came to their barbeque area. I marked a tree with the 2012 flood levels and the 2016 flood levels. The 2012 flood was an inch lower than the 1974 floods.

“As of Tuesday, the water was sitting on the 2016 water mark.

“My wife used the kayak to go down to the back of our five acre block to make sure the kangaroos that live there were gone. She was paddling over the fences.

“The evacuations that have taken place are happening more to the south of Narrandera, which is a sensible move,” John said.

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.

This article appeared in the  Narrandera Argus, 20 October 2022.