UPDATE: The Bureau of Meteorology is facing scrutiny following a catastrophic flash flood that devastated Eugowra, New South Wales, on November 14, 2022. Just 17 minutes after issuing a major flood alert at 9:07 AM, residents experienced a sudden surge of water described by witnesses as an “inland tsunami,” resulting in tragic fatalities and extensive damage.
The flood claimed the lives of 60-year-old Diane Smith and 85-year-old Ljubisa “Les” Vugec, leaving the small community of 800 residents grappling with the aftermath. The Mandagery Creek reached alarming levels, peaking at 11.02 meters, and necessitating 124 helicopter rescues as locals sought refuge in trees and on rooftops.
During an inquest into the disaster held in Orange courthouse, senior meteorologist Matthew Collopy defended the Bureau’s warning as “clear and timely,” asserting it was based on available data from rain gauges and satellites. He emphasized that the warning anticipated creek levels could reach 10.5 meters, but tragically, the bureau was unaware that upstream gauges at Toogong and Smithfield had failed to transmit critical data.
“We did not have any data information coming from Eugowra town,” Collopy stated, highlighting the challenges faced by the bureau in providing accurate flood warnings. He reported that up to six meteorologists had been actively monitoring the situation the night before the flood, amidst a high volume of warnings across the country.
The inquest also revealed that the Mandagery Creek has been prioritized for a new telemetric gauge, which is expected to enhance flood warning capabilities. However, installation is currently pending various state and federal approvals, raising questions about the timeliness of such measures.
Deputy State Coroner David O’Neil questioned the delays in implementing this crucial infrastructure, to which Collopy responded that only a third of the 10,000 flood warning instruments across Australia are managed by the Bureau. He described the federal initiative to improve the warning system as a “once in a generation” opportunity, stressing the need for funding to maintain this extensive network.
Senior technician Andrew Cutler from Water NSW acknowledged the ongoing efforts to enhance the durability of flood monitoring equipment. “If we had the budget, we would have started yesterday,” he remarked, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
As the inquest continues, the community of Eugowra is left to reckon with the profound loss and destruction caused by this disaster. The outcome will likely shape future flood response strategies and the infrastructure necessary to protect residents from similar tragedies.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
