ADF continues support to flood response (Update 26 October 2022)

Up to 550 ADF personnel are deployed on Operation Flood Assist 22-2 as part of the Australian Government’s response to flooding in Victoria and NSW.

The ADF continues to work closely with National Emergency Management Australia in monitoring potential floods across the community.

The ADF remains postured to provide additional support to State Emergency Services should a request be received via National Emergency Management Australia.

 

Victoria

What has happened?

• Defence has made available up to 400 personnel to support Victoria’s flood response.
• Tasks conducted have included: Reconnaissance of Kerang, filling and distribution of sandbags, transport support to isolated families and emergency services stakeholders, diversion of water from a small dam and construction of three levees, door knocking to support flood-affected residents, clean-up activities, and transport of SES water rescue personnel, Army medics and stores to Shepparton and Echuca via CH-47.

What is happening today?

• As at October 26, about 400 ADF personnel are supporting local authorities with flood-related tasks across regional Victoria including Kerang, Wangaratta, Rochester, Echuca, Shepparton, Seymour, Bendigo, Barmah and Swan Hill.
• Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters are available to assist with reconnaissance, the evacuation and relocation of communities, lifting and moving heavy equipment, provision and resupply of essential food supplies to isolated communities, and provision of feed and fodder for livestock.

 

Visit https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/ or https://nema.gov.au/ for support or further information.

 

NSW

What has happened?

• Defence has made available up to 150 personnel to support the NSW flood response.
• In Lismore, about 20 local Army Reserve personnel provided temporary local emergency assistance for evacuation support.

What is happening today?

• As at October 26, about 50 personnel are assisting in Dubbo, Condobolin, Deniliquin and Hillston with flood preparations, relocation support, community engagement and sandbagging.
• One helicopter is providing night time search and rescue support in Southern NSW.
• From this evening, 50 personnel will deploy to Moree.

 

Visit https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ or https://nema.gov.au/ for support or further information.

CAPTION: ADF members build a sandbag wall to protect a property at risk of flood damage in Swan Hill during Operation Flood Assist 2022-2. Photo by Captain Sarah Kelly.

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