From water ripping through vineyards to doctors transporting their medical supplies via canoe, Mrs Myra Othams’ memory of the Barossa flood is vivid.
The Tanunda resident was living in one of the hardest hit areas in Armstrong Avenue, Nuriootpa when it flooded 30 years ago.
Mrs Othams was attending a Lenten service at St. Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa when she discovered several inches of water pooling around the building.
“Water just converged from all sides, like a saucer filling up and the water nowhere to go,” Mrs Othams said.
Church members rushed to help Second Street unit residents, with some bed-bound and unable to swim.
Ambulances were unable to drive through the flooding water and those in need were rescued by young CFS members, while medical supplies arrived via canoe.
Trapped by the overflowing river, Mrs Othams spent the night ringing anxious families and advising their loved ones were safe and had shelter at Kreig House.
For the full story, grab March 6 edition of The Leader.
