A state of emergency has unfolded in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales after a private dam suffered a catastrophic failure, unleashing a torrent of water and forcing the urgent evacuation of the downstream town of Tingha.
The rupture occurred near the tiny village of Wellingrove, approximately 30 kilometres east of Inverell, after the region was pummelled by intense rainfall. The subsequent flash flooding has been described by authorities as 'dangerous and life-threatening'.
Race Against Time: Tingha Evacuation Underway
Emergency services scrambled into action, going door-to-door to direct residents of low-lying areas in Tingha to immediately evacuate to higher ground. The local showground has been established as a designated evacuation centre for those forced to flee their homes.
New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) issued a stark warning, urging residents to heed the advice of officials. "If you are told to evacuate, please evacuate," an SES spokesperson emphasised. "This is a dangerous situation."
Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc Across the Region
The dam failure is part of a wider severe weather event battering the New England region. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued multiple severe weather warnings for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and large hailstones for a vast area including the Northern Tablelands, parts of the Mid North Coast, and the Hunter district.
Reports indicate that the intense downpours have already caused significant damage, washing away at least one bridge on the Kingstown Road and isolating properties. The SES has been inundated with calls for assistance, responding to over 70 incidents since the storms began.
Community Urged to Stay Informed and Safe
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with fears that further rainfall could exacerbate the flooding. Residents across the affected regions are being advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Never drive, ride, or walk through floodwaters.
- Stay informed by listening to local radio updates and following official SES social media channels.
- Secure loose items around their properties.
The community is bracing for a difficult 24 hours as the severe weather system is forecast to continue moving through the area.
