Highlights
- Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded near Tweed Heads for more than two days
- Among those affected were families travelling with young kids and elderly people
- "A local farming family and some truck drivers shared foods and drinks with many families to set the best example of humanity," says Mr Singh.
Truck driver Amarinder Singh was travelling from Melbourne to Brisbane, when he became stuck on the flooded road near Tweed Heads in northern New South Wales.
Sharing his experience of being stranded for more than two days, Mr Singh told SBS Punjabi that the situation was "stressful" as many young families were among those affected.
As hundreds of vehicles ground to halt across several kilometres of the usually-busy Pacific Highway, Mr Singh said everyone just wished for the best.
“There was a big traffic jam that stretched to at least five kilometres on the highway. There were young families who were distressed as the water level was continuously rising with their car tyres completely submerged underwater.”
“Even though there was water all around, everyone was hopeful that the floodwater would soon recede and they would be able to drive through this stressful situation. But that was not the case,” said Mr Singh.
Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded between Ballina and Tweed Heads for more than two days. Source: Supplied by Mr Singh
Mr Singh said that while there was little official information from authorities, a local family and some truck drivers came forward to help the stranded families to set "the best example of humanity".
Many of us even tried reaching out to SES and the local police in order to get some more information or help.
“While none of the authorities came forward to help, the local farmers and the truck drivers set a perfect example of humanity surprising everyone with food to make sure everyone was well-fed,” said Mr Singh.
It was after two nights of being stranded on the highway that the water finally started to recede, and Mr Singh and others were able to get a move along.
The affected stretch of the freeway was completely under water for at least three days. Source: Supplied by Mr Singh
“Most of us were stuck on the highway since Monday morning and were only wishing for the roads to open up.”
“We spent almost two nights there and it was finally the moment when the water level started falling back after Tuesday midnight and we were able to drive through the road safely on Wednesday morning.”
Mr Singh, who is currently in Brisbane, said that as there are still flood warnings in place in NSW, he would have to take the inland route in order to make it back to Melbourne.
