The body of a man believed to be in his 20s has tragically washed past a police officer saving the life of another person in Eugowra in NSW's Central West, as details of the harrowing floods continue to emerge.
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NSW Police are appealing for public assistance in the search for what is now the third person feared swept away by floodwaters in the Cabonne Shire on Monday.
Officers made the discovery of a body on Wednesday, believed to be missing 60-year old woman Dianne Smith, while the search continues for missing 85-year old man Ljubisa 'Les' Vugec, who was last seen at a home in Evelyn Street, Eugowra, about 9am on Monday.
On Thursday it was confirmed a third person is missing.
At around 9.40am on Monday, November 14, a police officer was assisting an elderly woman trapped in floodwaters at the intersection of Loftus and Parkes Streets when she saw the body of a man in floodwaters.
Tragically, the officer was unable to leave the trapped woman and she lost sight of the man's body in fast-flowing floodwaters.
NSW Police say there have been no further reports of people missing in the Eugowra area.
In a bid to solve the mystery, NSW Police are making a public appeal to identify the person, while they continue to search the surrounding area.
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The man sighted was described as being aged in his 20s, of Caucasian appearance, with a slim build and fair hair.
After extensive inquiries with the community and despite a wide-ranging search of the surrounding area there have been no further sightings of the man, and no one matching that description has been reported missing.
Police are appealing to anyone who knows of a man matching the description above, and who hasn't been accounted for, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Situation across NSW, Victoria
While the rain has eased across south-east Australia, major flooding continues along a number of rivers in Victoria and NSW, with a focus on the state's central west.
Major flooding is occurring at Forbes. As of 8am Thursday, the Lachlan River was at 10.68 meters with the possibility of reaching 10.80 meters later today. The river level may remain high into the weekend due to large inflows and releases from Wyangala Dam.
The Lachlan River at Forbes Iron Bridge remains steady at 10.68 meters as a prolonged peak passes through. It is expected to remain around 10.70 meters throughout Friday and above the major flood level (10.55 m) during the weekend.
Major flooding is occurring at Condobolin, Nanami, Euabalong, Warren, Hay, Barham, Boundary Bend, Bourke, Brewarrina, Hillston, Jemalong, Mungindi, Walgett and Wee Waa. Moderate flooding is occurring at Cowra and many other towns along the Murray River.
Major flood warnings are current for various locations in NSW and Victoria with major flooding occurring at numerous locations along the Murray River on the Victoria/NSW border.
Minor to moderate flooding is occurring across many other rivers in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
