THE RECORD 2022 FLOODING OF LISMORE -PART 2 - RESCUE AND RECOVERY

During late February of 2022 the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a forecast of heavy and persistent rainfall over areas of North East New South Wales. The town of Lismore lay in the heart of this forecast area. The heavy rains started on February 28th. Within days areas around Lismore received over 50% of their annual average rainfall. Low lying areas flooded. In the catchment areas of Wilsons River and Laycaster Creek (indicated in Lismore Part 1) the runoff was extreme. Both water courses over-banked and flooded surrounding areas. These heavy rains persisted over 3-4 weeks. At Lismore, the town levee built after the 2017 flood was over-topped. The CBD and adjacent suburbs were flooded. The flood levels reached as passed the early 12.2 metre level and continued to rise quickly. Many people in the suburbs of Lismore and the surrounding low farm areas were trapped by rising water levels. This unit concentrates on the rescue and recovery processes needed. Screen the pages. Look at the photographs to gain an understanding of the problems faced by this 2022 record flood. Really there were 2 floods. The second one came as the local people were finishing their cleanup and preparing to return to normal. Link this unit with the Lismore Part 3 unit which provides information about four plans for Lismore to cope with future floods.