FLOODS IN N.S.W.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28802, 24 January 1959, Page 13

FLOODS IN N.S.W.

Rivers Begin To Recede

(Rec. 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 23. The flood danger receded today on the north coast of New South Wales, where dozens of families had fled their homes when surging rivers burst their banks. The big coastal towns of Lismore and Beilingen, on the Richmond and Beilingen rivers, were reprieved after floodwaters had swirled into many homes. The flood passed early today and people are now returning to their homes But at South Grafton, 434 miles north of Sydney, 85 familes are homeless today as floodwater surges five feet deep through parts of the township. Boats left Grafton today with food and supplies to the Clarence river valley where many farm families are believed to be trapped. Further south, at Kempsey. about 100 persons have evacuated houses flooded by the Macleay river. The floods reached a peak of 20 feet 11 inches in South Grafton early today. At 3 p.m. police reported the danger had passed and the floodwaters had fallen to 19ft Sin. In Sydney, the Weather Bureau said the rain was clearing in all threatened areas. Railway gangs today were repairing a washout on a branch line near Dorrigo, 448 miles north of Sydney. All other lines on the north coast are clear. Reports this afternoon showed that the Tweed river at Tyalgum. the Richmond river at Casino, the Macleay river at Bellbrook, and the Clarence river at Tabulinum were now below the flood danger level. But the Richmond river at Lismore was still 7ft above the danger level.