UPDATE: Severe flooding has struck the South Coast after a ferocious storm unleashed torrential rain and powerful winds last night. As a result, local authorities are scrambling to assist affected residents and businesses.
Around 40 emergency calls were made to the State Emergency Service (SES) on the evening of October 26, 2023, with crews working tirelessly until 4:00 AM to address the chaos. SES South Coast unit commander John Mills reported that some areas received up to 170 millimeters of rain in just hours, overwhelming the region’s drainage systems.
The town of Eden was hit hardest, with around two-thirds of SES callouts occurring there. “Palestine Creek and Curalo Lagoon overflowed and cut off access to the highway,” Mills explained. Crews are currently working to clear the blocked routes this morning.
Floodwaters particularly devastated the Garden of Eden Caravan Park, where 40 campers were evacuated due to rising water levels. Owner Bea Bamford recounted the shocking speed at which the creek swelled. “We had to pull all the campers out and bring them to higher ground,” she said. “It happened so fast; we weren’t expecting it.”
Nearby, residents of Uniting Aged Care were also relocated as floodwaters threatened their rooms. Fortunately, Mills noted that emergency services, in collaboration with the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue teams, successfully mitigated the flooding’s impact on vulnerable residents.
In Tathra, dramatic scenes unfolded as businesses were inundated. Dan Ryan, owner of Drift Pizza, described the chaos during a busy 18th birthday party when floodwaters surged into the restaurant. “We only just served the entrees when the water hit,” Ryan stated. Customers were evacuated as staff barricaded the doors to prevent further flooding.
Next door, the Tathra Bakery and Cafe faced even greater challenges. Owner Quyen shared her struggle to keep the waters at bay. “We tried using flour bags under the door, but it was futile. The street was like a river,” she expressed. Despite the devastation, the local community rallied to help clean up, showing resilience in the face of disaster.
While floodwaters are beginning to recede, Mills urges caution. “If water has crossed your backyard, it may have contaminated your septic system,” he warned. “Stay out of standing water—it poses risks you may not realize.”
As the community begins the long road to recovery, Bamford reflected on the situation, stating, “You know, it rains; that’s nobody’s fault. That’s nature.”
Stay tuned for further updates as the South Coast community works tirelessly to recover from this unprecedented storm.
