SES ORDERS EVACUATION AT RAYMOND TERRACE

The State Emergency Service has issued an evacuation order for six streets in Raymond Terrace, with flooding of the Hunter River now expected to be moderate to major.

While the exact height of the river is still unpredictable, residents in Hunter Street, Glenelg Street, Swan Street, Port Stephens Street, King Street and Kangaroo Street have been instructed to leave their homes immediately.

The SES says residents shouldn’t delay leaving in case roads are congested.

An evacuation centre has been set up at the Seniors Citizens Centre at Boomerang Park, located at the corner of William and Irrawang Streets.

Assistance is available at the centre including temporary accomodation, financial help, personal support, meals and clothing.

Here is what the SES has advised people in these areas to do:

• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical items on top. You may be able to place some light-weight items in the roof space.
• Collect together essential medicines, important documents, mementos and photos to take these with you.
• If possible, check to see whether your neighbours need help.
• Make arrangements for care of pets or other animals or take pets with you to an evacuation centre.
• Turn off the electricity and gas.
• Take three days’ supply of clothes with you.
• Do not drive or walk through floodwater

SES about to start evacuating residents in low lying areas in Rymd Terrace. Evac order issues for 6 streets @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/eIMyRsH2p9

— Kate Haberfield (@katehaberfield) January 6, 2016