*** - Firefighters rescue residents trapped by Newcastle flash-flooding - Merewether
Published: 01 May 2025 03:33pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have rescued at least four people trapped by flash-flooding during a storm front yesterday in Newcastle.
The storm struck parts of the city around 4pm, generating a number of Triple-Zero (000) calls for help to FRNSW, Police and the State Emergency Service.
FRNSW dispatched local crews, including a Technical Rescue Unit and Rescue Pumper, and a specialist In-Water rescue crew, from Lambton, to Merewether and Hamilton South to assist residents affected by large volumes of fast-moving flood-waters.
Authorities were surprised by the speed and force of the stormwater as Police closed numerous roads.
Firefighters rescued a man and a woman, trapped in cars caught in the knee-deep floodwaters.
Two women, whose houses in Little Edward Street were cut off by the sudden torrent, were guided to safety by firefighters, who also checked on the welfare of two more residents sheltering in their homes nearby.
The floodwaters dissipated within two hours.
There were no injuries reported during the operation.
Firefighters reported stormwater damage to a shed and some fencing in the area.
Media note – FRNSW footage of the incident can be obtained here: https://vimeo.com/1080430989/98072d4d93?ts=0& [external link];share=copy
Updated: 01 May 2025 01:38pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
39 Llewellyn Street, Merewether NSW 2291
44 Union Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
49 - 51 Young Street, Carrington NSW 2294