An inquest into the deadly flooding in Eugowra, New South Wales, in November 2022, has revealed concerns about the adequacy of information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). State Emergency Service (SES) Chief Superintendent Brigid Rice testified that the hazard warnings issued by the BOM did not accurately reflect the conditions on the ground.

The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 85-year-old Les Vugec and 60-year-old Diane Smith, who were swept away by a significant flood event described as an "inland tsunami." On the morning of the disaster, Rice was scheduled to begin her shift at 8 a.m. but was alerted by a phone call just before 3 a.m. after a night of heavy rainfall.

At that time, the SES was already responding to severe flash flooding upstream in Molong and major flooding in Canowindra. During her testimony, Rice recounted a text exchange with a colleague in the early hours, where she noted the water levels at flood gauges upstream of Eugowra were rising "almost vertical." She expressed skepticism about the BOM's modeling, stating, "I’ve not got much faith in the modelling we’ve got out of the BOM."

The BOM had issued a warning at 3:49 a.m. indicating minor flooding along Mandagery Creek in Eugowra, predicting it would reach a major flood level of nine meters by Monday morning. However, by 4:30 a.m., Rice received reports via social media that water had already entered shops, surpassing the nine-meter mark. She stated in court, "I was of the firm view the nine-meter warning from the bureau would not be sufficient."

Rice informed her SES colleagues that the BOM's prediction was inadequate given the rapid rise of water upstream. The SES then operated under the assumption that Eugowra would face a flood of 10.5 meters, based on historical data and real-time reports. Ultimately, the town experienced a record flood of 11.2 meters, exceeding the previous record of 10.01 meters set in 1950.

During the proceedings, Counsel Assisting Sophie Callan SC questioned Rice about a text-message evacuation order sent at 6:10 a.m. to residents in low-lying areas. Callan suggested that the message left it up to individuals to determine which areas were safe. Rice acknowledged the need for improvement in emergency alert messaging, stating, "Yes," when asked if the SES had reflected on how to refine these messages.

Rice explained that the evacuation product issued that day was the first of its kind under a new system and emphasized the agency's commitment to enhancing its communication. She noted, "I do think we need to be more specific both in textually explaining and visually representing on a map."

In an email read to the court, Rice indicated that in a similar future situation, "the entire town should be on alert for rapid evacuation." The inquest is ongoing as officials continue to investigate the events surrounding the tragic flooding in Eugowra.