Two schoolteachers were stranded by floodwaters in remote Western Australia, but a dramatic rescue effort by police and locals saved their lives. The teachers had to climb onto the roof of their vehicle to stay safe until help arrived.
Two schoolteachers, a 56-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, were rescued after being stranded for hours by floodwaters in remote Western Australia. The pair was trying to cross a river outside Jigalong, over 1,300 kilometers north-east of Perth, when their four-wheel drive was swamped by rising water.
Police said they reached the pair downstream about an hour later but were unable to enter due to the dangerous rapids. The teachers had to climb onto the roof of their vehicle to stay safe. Police and locals worked together to rescue the pair using a winch from a helicopter.
The community came together to help with the dramatic flood rescue near Jigaling. Ray Martin, the 73-year-old manager of Jigalong Remote Pool, was one of the first people at the scene and helped coordinate the rescue efforts.
Heavy rain and flash flooding have caused disruptions in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. A number of road closures are in place due to flooding, and authorities are warning drivers to avoid flooded roads.
The two teachers were taken to the local medical clinic for assessment after being rescued. Fortunately, they were uninjured and departed the community the following day by helicopter for the school holidays.
The quick response of the community saved the lives of the two teachers. Their bravery and selflessness are an inspiration to us all.
Heavy falls in southern parts of the Pilbara and northern parts of the Gascoyne are expected to continue over the next 24 hours.
