Date
February 1997 (2 days)

Where
Nanutarra Roadhouse down beside the Ashburton River.

Scenario
Heavy rains inland had caused the Ashburton River to flood drastically and it was anticipated that the Roadhouse would be completely covered by the banks breaking. We started out using the Roadhouse itself for catering but after everyone had to evacuate the catering continued in bush conditions a few kilometres back up the highway.

Numbers
20 - 30 people

Challenges
Speed to get supplies together, with minimal equipment because of space restrictions, and away with a base SES crew within 2 hours. A second crew swapped out the first crew after 24 hours.

Highlights!
Amazing sight of the flooding Ashburton River. 6 million litres per second!