Tasmanian rescuers recall frightening chaos of 2016 Latrobe floods as they
Five emergency workers who battled the 2016 Latrobe floods that killed one person will receive bravery awards from the Royal Humane Society.
Police constable Mark Johnston led the search during the June 2016 Latrobe floods and remembers the overwhelming noise most vividly. "The whole night was like a freight train going through," he said.
Johnston and colleagues Adam Filler and Dean Wotherspoon, plus council workers Grant How and Michael Lynd, worked together in chest-deep water trying to rescue Mary Allford. Mary Allford drowned during the deluge.
The team waded through debris smashing against buildings in near-total darkness. They could only see as far as their head torches reached.
Council worker Michael Lynd brought heavy machinery to support the constables. He called it "frigging frightening."
The five will receive Tasmanian Bravery Awards for their actions. Three people died in floods across Tasmania that night, including deaths at Ouse and Evandale.
- Mark Johnston
- Search mission controller
- June 2016
- When floods struck
- Mary Allford (one)
- Deaths in Latrobe
- Chest-deep
- Water depth
Why it mattersThe rescuers' willingness to risk their lives in chaos beyond their control shows the cost of extreme weather events, and honours those who run toward danger.
AustraliaFor Tasmanians, this anniversary marks a decade since one of the state's major flood events and recognises the bravery of local emergency responders.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 17 h ago
