A woman in Alice Springs survived a harrowing 12-hour ordeal after being swept into the Todd River by floodwaters, with her daughter risking her own life in a desperate attempt to save her.
In a dramatic incident in Alice Springs, 50-year-old Laurel Palmer survived a 12-hour ordeal clinging to a tree in the flooded Todd River. The incident occurred during severe thunderstorms that led to flash flooding, causing the river's water levels to rise rapidly. Ms. Palmer's daughter, Latarne Wayne, witnessed the entire event unfold from the riverbank, fearing for her mother's safety as the floodwaters raged around her.
During the night, Ms. Palmer and Ms. Wayne were crossing a footbridge when Ms. Palmer slipped and fell into the river. In a courageous act, Latarne jumped into the water to save her mother, but the strong current quickly separated them. As Ms. Wayne struggled against the floodwaters, she experienced moments of despair as she tried to swim towards her mother, but the rough conditions made it nearly impossible.
A massive rescue effort ensued, lasting nearly 12 hours, with rescuers ultimately managing to reach Ms. Palmer and bring her to safety. This incident highlights the dangers of sudden flooding in the region, especially under extreme weather conditions, and the lengths family members will go to protect one another during emergencies. The community's response also underscores the importance of prompt rescue efforts in such life-threatening situations.
