‘Devastating’: Woodburn, Swan Bay evacuate

ABOVE: Paul Stanley-Jones evacuating from his Woodburn home. Photos: Paul Stanley-Jones

Susanna Freymark

“Woodburn is devastating.”

Paul Stanley-Jones, like his neighbours, is rushing to evacuate from Woodburn.

The SES is directing people within Woodburn and Swan Bay to evacuate the high danger area via Pacific Hwy.

Once floodwater passes 4.20 metres on the Woodburn gauge at Woodburn roads will begin to close.

Residents are loading what they can into boats and going to higher ground.

The Richmond River at Woodburn is likely to reach 6.50 metres this morning with major flooding above the February 1954 peak of 5.42 metres.

The SES said once floodwater begins inundating the area road access water, sewerage, power, phones and internet may be lost. If you remain in the area, you will be trapped and it may be too dangerous for SES to rescue you.

The Richmond River at Coraki is currently at 7.62 metres and peaking with major flooding, above the March 1974 peak of 7.01 metres.

The Richmond River at Bungawalbin may reach around 7.10 metres this morning with major flooding.

The Woodburn-Evans Head Pre School in Woodburn Street is being used as the evacuation centre in Woodburn.

What you need to do:

  • Lift possessions and important items above the predicted flood height
  • Take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables with you.
  • Leave as early as possible to avoid restricted roads.
  • Share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible.

If you require SES assistance, phone 132 500.

In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero.

Photos of Woodburn this morning by Paul Stanley-Jones

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