NSW:Seven new natural disaster zones declared

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2010
NSW:Seven new natural disaster zones declared

SYDNEY, Dec 24 AAP - Seven more natural disaster areas have been declared in NSW as
the worst flooding in years shows no signs of letting up over Christmas.

Heavy rain that caused the flooding has cleared from most parts of the state, but the
lower reaches of many inland rivers continue to rise, swamping roads and isolating communities.

The seven areas declared disaster areas on Friday were Wentworth, Wakool, Snowy River,
Tumbarumba, Balranald and Narrandera shire council regions in the state's southwest and
Blayney, in the central west.

It means there are now 49 natural disaster areas, each qualifying for commonwealth
and state cash.

The State Emergency Service (SES), which has carried out 150 rescues since the flooding
began in late November, said it is well placed to continue helping communities over Christmas.

"Many SES volunteers and staff are already active helping rural properties and small
communities isolated by floodwaters," SES commissioner Murray Kear said in a statement.

"This will continue over the holiday period with the SES ready to assist should further
heavy rain or storms occur."

AAP mdg/jfm/was

KEYWORD: FLOODS NSW

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