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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Brave toddler’s incredible survival story

Staff WriterNorth Coast Times

A THREE-year-old girl has endured a frightening night in the Pilbara, after she and the family dog were cut off by flood water.

About 2.30pm yesterday, Matilda and her family’s pet dog wandered off from her home on Noreena Downs Homestead, about 70kms from Nullagine.

The area had been inundated with heavy rain in recent days, leading to a number of the creeks surrounding the property being full of water.

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Matilda was able to make her way through one of these creeks while the water had subsided., but due to the heavy rainfall, the creek quickly rose again and trapped Matilda and her dog.

The team of rescuers after the search. Photo: WA Police
Camera IconThe team of rescuers after the search. Photo: WA Police Credit: Supplied/Supplied

About 4pm yesterday the alarm was raised that Matilda was missing and the Pilbara community immediately swung into action.

Local helicopters and SES volunteers joined the search, while the Newman Horse Riders Association supplied seven horses with riders.

The community and police worked quickly and tirelessly in the search and after nearly 24 hours of being alone and without shelter, Matilda was spotted by a helicopter, walking about 3.5kms south of the homestead.

Her faithful Jack Russell dog was by her side and both Matilda and the dog have been reunited with their family.