The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood alert for the village of Eugowra, located in central western New South Wales, warning of extremely high river levels expected in the afternoon. Just 17 minutes after the alert was announced, the village experienced a catastrophic flash flood, which survivors described as a “wall of water” or an “inland tsunami.”
Tragically, two residents, Diane Smith, 60, and Ljubisa “Les” Vugec, 85, lost their lives in the flooding on November 14, 2022. The disaster necessitated 124 helicopter rescues as locals sought refuge in trees and on rooftops amidst the rising waters. Nearly all houses in the village, which has a population of around 800, suffered significant damage or total destruction when the Mandagery Creek reached a peak of 11.02 meters.
An inquest is currently underway to investigate the deaths of Ms. Smith and Mr. Vugec, as well as the circumstances leading to this natural disaster, including the effectiveness of the weather warnings and the emergency response provided. Matthew Collopy, a senior manager from the Bureau of Meteorology, defended the agency’s flood warning, asserting that it was both “clear and timely.” He explained that the flood advice was generated based on comprehensive data from various sources including rain and river gauges and weather radars. Unfortunately, upstream gauges at Toogong and Smithfield had been damaged and were not transmitting data, leaving gaps in information for the bureau at the time of the flood.
In response to the incident, it was noted that no instruments were in place at the creek within Eugowra itself. Mr. Collopy indicated that a telemetric gauge has since been prioritized for installation under a federal government program aimed at improving flood warning systems. However, this project awaits several planning approvals. He acknowledged the substantial challenge of overseeing the extensive network of flood warning instruments across Australia, with only a fraction monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology.
As the inquiry progresses, it highlights the pressing need for robust flood prevention measures and advanced warning systems to avert future tragedies. The introduction of better technology for flood monitoring and community preparedness remains a crucial goal, especially given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events attributed to climate change.
Emergency response efforts have demonstrated the resilience and courage of both the local community and the agencies involved. This disaster serves as a reminder of the strength of community bonds and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural calamities. As the affected community seeks to recover and rebuild, there is hope that lessons learned from these experiences will foster improved safety measures and support against future flooding incidents.