Latest news with #rescues
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
NZ's Firefighters Demonstrate Life-Saving Extraction Skills In Feilding
NZ's Firefighters Demonstrate Life-Saving Extraction Skills In Feilding Supplied: UFBA Tragically, 2025 has already seen 147 fatal road crashes on NZ roads, which trending higher than this time last year - and who is first on the scene in many areas of the country? Our firefighters are. Firefighters today do far more than put water on fire. They now respond to as many medical emergencies and road crashes as they do fires. Along with Police and Ambulance, firefighters respond to some of the worst scenes imaginable. The United Fire Brigades' Association (UFBA) Road Crash Rescue Challenge supports the development of our members' skills in these high-stress and life-threatening situations. The challenge is treated with the seriousness and professionalism of real-life and death scenarios while providing a realistic simulation in a controlled and safe environment. Imagine a scene where a car has flipped over onto its roof, wedged against a dangerously leaning pole. The driver lies suspended, unconscious and bleeding. In the dim light it's hard to know whether there are fractures, cuts or worse. Shattered glass litters the road. Everyday, our members from over 600 paid and volunteer fire brigades across Aotearoa must make precise and difficult calls in these situations, deciding on the safest, most efficient way to extricate a patient, while a life literally hangs in the balance. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading From Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 June, over 110 firefighters from all across the country will gather in Feilding at the UFBA Road Crash Rescue Challenge to take part in complex, timed rescues - working in teams to remove live 'patients' from multiple crash scenes using real vehicles, real tools and real pressure. It's raw, intensely visual, and an exciting test of firefighters' critical life-saving skills and teamwork that demonstrates the mental and physical demands of real-life patient extraction in serious car crashes or medical situations. The UFBA Road Crash Rescue Challenge is supported by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and AA Insurance who have supplied all the wrecked vehicles used in the simulations - meaning that damaged vehicles are re-purposed for good. This event is open to the public; it's a great opportunity for a close-up experience of what firefighters do. Location: Manfeild Park Stadium, 59 South Street, Feilding Date/Times: Thursday 12 June: 12pm to 5pm Friday 13 June: 9.30am to 5pm Saturday 14 June: 9am to 2pm © Scoop Media
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Thousands remain isolated as floods ease in eastern Australia
Tens of thousands of Australians remained isolated and thousands were without power on Saturday (May 24, 2025), authorities said as conditions in New South Wales eased after days of heavy rain that caused widespread flooding. Floodwaters were slowly subsiding but more than 20 emergency warnings remained in place, with the focus shifting to assessing properties and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. NSW emergency authorities estimated up to 10,000 properties had been damaged by flooding, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many communities were still isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) said. "We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response," SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen said. "We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don't be tempted to drive through floodwaters or go sightseeing." The death toll stood at five after the body of a man in his 80s was found at a property near Taree, one of the worst-hit towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to visit Taree, as planned, because of treacherous access. "Conditions remain critical with flood and evacuation warnings in place," Mr. Albanese said on X. "We're continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery." More than 600 flood rescues were carried out over the previous three days, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to praise the work of emergency services. "We would have had hundreds of deaths if it wasn't for the bravery, the courage of emergency service workers in the last 72 hours," he told journalists. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said he expected the number of warnings to decrease over the weekend but urged motorists to avoid driving in floodwaters. He said stagnant water posed a health risk and that vermin and snakes could make their way into homes. The storms dumped more than six months' worth of rain over three days, according to the government weather bureau, smashing records in some areas. Although difficult to link to specific disasters, scientists warn that climate change is already fuelling more extreme weather patterns.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Thousands remain isolated as floods ease in eastern Australia
Tens of thousands of Australians remained isolated and thousands were without power on Saturday, authorities said as conditions in New South Wales eased after days of heavy rain that caused widespread flooding. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Floodwaters were slowly subsiding but more than 20 emergency warnings remained in place, with the focus shifting to assessing properties and delivering supplies to cut-off communities. NSW emergency authorities estimated up to 10,000 properties had been damaged by flooding, mostly in central and northern parts of the state. Many communities were still isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted, NSW State Emergency Services (SES) said. "We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response," SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen said. "We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don't be tempted to drive through floodwaters or go sightseeing." The death toll stood at five after the body of a man in his 80s was found at a property near Taree, one of the worst-hit towns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was unable to visit Taree, as planned, because of treacherous access. "Conditions remain critical with flood and evacuation warnings in place," Albanese said on X. "We're continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery." More than 600 flood rescues were carried out over the previous three days, prompting NSW Premier Chris Minns to praise the work of emergency services. "We would have had hundreds of deaths if it wasn't for the bravery, the courage of emergency service workers in the last 72 hours," he told journalists. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said he expected the number of warnings to decrease over the weekend but urged motorists to avoid driving in floodwaters. He said stagnant water posed a health risk and that vermin and snakes could make their way into homes. The storms dumped more than six months' worth of rain over three days, according to the government weather bureau, smashing records in some areas. Although difficult to link to specific disasters, scientists warn that climate change is already fuelling more extreme weather patterns.
The Advertiser
24-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Premier tours flood-ravaged Hunter region as disaster clean-up begins
Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Lifeboat hero Eugene Kehoe retires after 48 years of RNLI service in Kilmore Quay
While the RNLI lifeboat Killarney is a familiar sight in the waters off Kilmore Quay, as it returned to shore on Saturday it was a momentous occasion. After 48 years volunteering, it would mark the last involvement of retiring coxswain Eugene Kehoe. Over the years, Eugene has played a part in countless rescues and saved numerous lives in heavy seas off the Wexford coast. His first call-out was on a winter's night in 1977. A fresh-faced 18-year-old, he responded to the call aboard the Lady Murphy. There was a proud tradition of service in his family and he signed up to volunteer alongside his grandfather, father and uncles.
