Levee Cracks In Lismore Causing Major Flooding

Cyclone Debbie is still causing havoc on the east coast of Australia today with Lismore becoming the latest victim in its destructive trail.

The ex-cyclone dumped an immense amount of rain in Lismore and surrounding areas overnight with the local Wilsons River swelling by 576mm in the 36-hour period preceding this morning.

This caused the river to break the levee at 4am, forcing an emergency siren to be sounded as the surge flowed into the city’s centre.

Mark Morrow, the State Emergency Services’ (SES) Deputy Commissioner said that he feared for some people’s lives after the SES could not reach some residents’ homes. "We couldn't get helicopters in the air, it was too dangerous," Morrow told the Sydney Morning Herald.

SES deputy incident controller Heath Stimson also told the SMH earlier today that the the river was still rising.

"For your own safety, you must evacuate now. Move to higher ground away from the floodwaters," Stimson said.

It is expected that this afternoon will see conditions easing and give much-needed relief to those in Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales who have been facing this severe weather over the last few days.

Photo: ABC