Fire and flood – two things we should never underestimate when Mother Nature unleashes her might.
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Australia can be a harsh continent during the extremes of our seasons. We know too well what devastation fire can bring and we are being reminded right now that water in excess can also cause heartache.
There will be time to review this Murray River flood, and allow those who need to allocate blame to do so, when the water passes. Now is not the time.
Almost of 30 per cent of NSW land is subject to flooding. Rural property owners face the loss of livestock, crops, fencing, buildings, personal items, farm equipment and machinery.
The risk to life is also high so it is important to treat Mother Nature with respect.
Swollen rivers, creeks and waterways are not places you should be around, or drive through.
Just 15 centimetres of water is enough to sweep a car off the road – emergency service warnings are clear: never drive, ride or walk through floods.
An Albury-based NSW State Emergency Services spokesperson was being diplomatic this week when she said the SES was “a bit cross” having to send flood recovery resources to the Urana area earlier this week after some motorists did not think advice and warning signs applied to them because they drive four-wheel-drives.
An all-terrain or four-wheel-drive vehicle (even one fitted with a snorkel) is no guarantee you are not at risk if you drive through flooded roads, remember a depth of 15cm is enough to move a vehicle.
With our waterways overflowing and heavy rain continuing to fall across the region all motorists need to exercise caution when on our roads.
There is a lot of good advice at floodsafe.com.au
We need to be aware that conditions can change quickly.
Fast-moving water carries debris, such as logs, which may be below the surface. Water can also wash away parts of roads but there are also other risks.
As water moves through low-lying areas it forces wildlife out – kangaroos and wombats – adding even more risks on our roads.
During all of this our police and emergency services are on duty, so spare a thought for them.
They are keeping you safe and deserve to be shown respect.
