As a small coastal town burns, questions are being asked about the apparent lack of warning given to residents before it was too late to evacuate.
Residents of Tathra, a seaside town on the New South Wales far south coast, say they were given no advance warning of the impending danger.
Up to 70 homes have already been destroyed in the blaze, which forced the majority of Tathra’s population to evacuate on Sunday.
Tathra Beach House apartments owner Rob white told The Australian that Tathra was a ‘black spot’ for telecommunications
As a small coastal town burns questions are being asked about the lack of warning given to residents before it was too late to evacuate
Shaun Kenny-Dowall of the Newcastle Knights in action during the round two NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Knights in Canberra, a game which was being broadcast on ABC Radio
One resident tweeted their anger, saying there had been no broadcasts on ABC Radio.
The ABC was broadcasting an NRL game and residents claim no word came through about the potential dangers.
ABC Radio has a requirement as a community broadcaster to send out emergency alerts.
‘Tathra 2018. Power goes out. No internet no TV. Smell smoke. Helicopter starts water bombing behind the house. There is no mobile coverage in Tathra. It’s a black spot. Radio is playing NRL. Decide to leave,’ a resident tweeted.
Tathra Beach House apartments owner Rob white told The Australian that Tathra was a ‘black spot’ for telecommunications.
An entire town is under threat of being completely wiped out by an out of control bushfire with an emergency warning in place
NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rodgers said the situation around Tathra was dire
Two dozen fire crews are battling the blaze which is affecting the area from Tathra to Tarraganda as strong winds pushed the fire into Tathra after crossing the Bega River
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the ABC for comment.
He said he had no power, no phone lines and no internet connection, which would have hindered any attempts to get the word out to residents before it was too late to evacuate.
The entire town is under threat of being completely wiped out by an out-of-control bushfire with an emergency warning in place.
A high number of fires are burning across New South Wales but the blaze in Tathra, has authorities most concerned.
Up to 70 homes have already been destroyed in the small coastal town of Tathra
Paul Brunton, 59, made contact with his family after they were unable to reach him when he was last seen going to check on neighbours
NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rodgers told 9 News the situation around Tathra was dire.
Late on Sunday afternoon residents were warned that it was too late to evacuate as roads could be blocked by fire and that they should instead try to find shelter.
Hundreds of residents were able to evacuate before the announcement, with fears held for those left behind.
‘It is changing quite rapidly and it’s very dangerous conditions,’ Mr Rodgers.
People who are south of the Bega River are being advised to seek shelter, with many of the roads in and out of the area already blocked.
Two dozen fire crews are battling the blaze which is affecting the area from Tathra to Tarraganda as strong winds pushed the fire into Tathra after crossing the Bega River
The full extent of the damage in Tathra won’t be known until the Building Impact Assessment Teams arrive
Residents north of the river have safe passage towards the north in the direction of Bermagui.
An evacuation centre was set up at the Bega Showground, and there was an influx of fire-related injuries according to a South East Regional Hospital.
David Lamb posted to Facebook they had been ‘crazy busy’.
‘Lots of smoke inhalation cases but no burns so far, thank God. Some of the nurses here have lost their homes but they are still working helping others,’ he said.
Family of Paul Brunton, 59, posted on social media after he was last seen leaving Kianinny Bay to check on his neighbours.
People who are south of the Bega River are being advised to seek shelter, with many of the roads in and out of the area already blocked
Up to 35 homes have already been destroyed in the small coastal town
Twiiter user Avon Perera’s wife took these photos as the family evacuated Tathra as fire raged around them
The view from the road out of Tathra as residents evacuated this afternoon
He made contact with his family soon after the alert was put out, a reminder of how important it is to remain in contact with family and friends if possible.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke of the situation in his closing address at the ASEAN Summit on Sunday afternoon.
He urged everyone in fire-ravage areas to follow the advice and direction of the emergency management authorities.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been affected,’ he said.
‘Obviously it’s a very dynamic situation. There is no reports at this stage of casualties but there are thousands of hectares that have been burnt and a very large number of stock of sheep and cattle have been destroyed as well.
‘I want to thank all of the state emergency services, the firefighters, the volunteers who are working tirelessly. I urge everyone to follow the advice and direction of the emergency management authorities. Your safety is their first priority.’
Spokesman for the NSW RFS Greg Allen said fire crews were being assisted by water bombing aircraft
Most of Tathra was evacuated as it is feared the fire could burn through the entire town which has a population of 1622 people