UPDATE: The weather bureau is facing scrutiny as it defends its flood warning issued just before a devastating flash flood struck the rural village of Eugowra in central western NSW at 9:07 AM. Survivors described the flood as a “wall of water,” leading to the tragic deaths of two residents, Diane Smith, 60, and Ljubisa “Les” Vugec, 85.
Just 17 minutes later, Eugowra was overwhelmed by the flood, resulting in widespread destruction. The Mandagery Creek peaked at 11.02 metres, damaging or destroying nearly all of the village’s homes, which housed a population of around 800. The chaos prompted 124 helicopter rescues as locals clung to trees and rooftops, desperate for safety.
During an inquest into the disaster, Matthew Collopy, a senior manager from the Bureau of Meteorology, defended the agency’s flood warning as “clear and timely.” Officials reported that the warning indicated creek levels “may reach” 10.5 metres, leaving room for potential increases. However, crucial data from upstream gauges at Toogong and Smithfield had been compromised, impeding the bureau’s ability to provide accurate forecasts.
Collopy emphasized that up to six meteorologists were working diligently on flood warnings across Australia the night before the incident, with 43 warnings active nationwide, including 14 in NSW. He noted that the lack of data from Eugowra was a significant factor in the agency’s response.
“Without reliable data, our ability to warn the public is severely limited,” Collopy stated during the inquest. The Bureau of Meteorology has since prioritized the installation of a telemetric gauge for the Mandagery Creek, aimed at improving future flood warnings. However, this initiative awaits various state and federal approvals.
Deputy State Coroner David O’Neil expressed concern over the delays in implementing the gauge, questioning the lack of urgency. Collopy responded that there are approximately 10,000 flood warning instruments across Australia, only a third of which are directly managed by the bureau. He described the federal upgrade program as a “once in a generation” opportunity to enhance the nation’s flood response capabilities.
In related testimony, senior technician Andrew Cutler from Water NSW reaffirmed their commitment to improving gauge durability against extreme weather events. “If we had the budget, we would have started yesterday,” Cutler remarked, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in flood prevention efforts.
As the inquest continues, officials stress the importance of robust flood warning systems to prevent future tragedies. The emotional toll on the Eugowra community remains palpable as residents grapple with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
Stay tuned for further updates as this critical situation develops.
