SCARY VISION of Man Pulled from Car as Floodwaters Rise Near Tamworth

Wallamore, NSW – In a dramatic early morning rescue, the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) saved a man in his 20s from rapidly rising floodwaters near Tamworth today.

Around 5am on Tuesday his vehicle became stuck as floodwaters surged over the bonnet. NSW SES North Western Deputy Zone Commander, Superintendent Paul Perusic, recounted the swift response by volunteers from the Tamworth and Manilla units.

“Volunteers quickly responded after the man’s vehicle became stuck as fast-moving flood water rose above his car bonnet,” Superintendent Perusic said. “When our members arrived on the scene, the man had climbed out of his vehicle and was on the roof of his car. Members retrieved him with a boat and brought him out of the waters, where he was assessed by ambulance personnel but was uninjured.”

The rescue coincided with a minor flood warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Peel River, which saw 53 millimetres of rain within 24 hours. The Peel River at Tamworth Road Bridge is currently at 3.34 metres and rising, with predictions it may reach 3.70 metres by Tuesday morning.

“Minor flooding is expected to continue through Tuesday morning, which may lead to road closures,” Superintendent Perusic noted. “We’re asking the community to make safe and sensible decisions and to not drive through floodwaters.”

Despite the man’s safe rescue, conditions on the ground remain hazardous. Superintendent Perusic highlighted the ongoing risks: “As we’ve seen, it doesn’t take a lot of rain to bring about flood conditions. Because the grounds and soil are so saturated, any new rain can lead to flooding.”

The NSW SES will continue to monitor the Peel River and its surroundings near Tamworth in the coming days. Fortunately, forecasts suggest flood waters may soon subside.

Flood Safety Advice:

• In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. For rescue, assistance to evacuate, or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
• Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water and seek refuge in the highest available place.
• Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
• Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
• Never drive, ride, or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.