NSW emergency services personnel will go to Queensland to assist in the Tropical Cyclone Debbie recovery operations.
Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall yesterday as a Category Four cyclone with winds over 200km/h, more than 100mm of rain, and impacted an area more than 300km wide.
The NSW Fire & Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service, and the ACT Fire & Rescue will fly to Townsville today to assist in the recovery.
NSW State Emergency Service will deploy four additional personnel to assist in the recovery efforts on Saturday.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said interstate agreements exist to facilitate the rapid deployment of emergency services to assist our neighbours in times of need.
“The NSW Government is working closely with the Queensland authorities to provide them with the assistance they require,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Rapid Damage Assessment teams will be deployed to Queensland today at 10am at the request of the Queensland Government.”
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the work of the Rapid Damage Assessment teams is essential in the transition from response to recovery.
“These teams will provide information on the structural integrity of homes and infrastructure, as well as advice on any potential safety risks,” Mr Grant said.
“I would like to extend the government’s most heartfelt gratitude to the personnel heading to Townsville and for their willingness and preparedness to assist Queensland in the wake of this disaster.”