Early estimates indicate at least 10,000 properties may have been damaged following record flooding on the NSW Mid North Coast, as the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) starts undertaking damage assessments.
Weather conditions have eased, with severe weather warnings cancelled late on Friday evening.
Flood waters in some locations are starting to subside, however are also still rising in other areas as flows move downstream.
Emergency warnings remain in place at a number of locations including Taree, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
NSW SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen ESM said the priority today for crews was starting washouts and damage assessments in areas where floodwaters are beginning to subside.
“We’re seeing conditions improve and we will have an increased number of volunteers out in force today to start the damage assessment process, which is likely to take some time to complete.
“This is important work to allow us to assess any access and safety issues before de-escalating evacuation orders.
“I reiterate this is still a dangerous situation where significant impacts to infrastructure and properties are likely to have occurred. Unfortunately, it is not possible to let people return to their homes until water further subsides and we’re sure they can access their homes and communities safely.
“Homes and businesses may need to be inspected by a qualified electrician.”
There are still many communities that remain isolated, with 50,000 people estimated to be impacted.
“We will continue to resupply those isolated residents by land, water and air as part of our multi-agency response.
“We ask you to be patient, remain in a safe location and please don’t be tempted to drive through flood waters or go sightseeing.”
Chief Superintendent McQueen said the NSW SES and partner agencies had completed all human life critical rescues in recent days, but said they continued to receive flood rescues for people driving into flood water.
List of isolated communities:
- Hinton
- Seaham
- Paterson
- Clarence Town
- Taree
- Manning Point
- Croki
- Rawdon Island
- Fredrickton
- Bowraville
- Thora
- Kempsey
- Wingham
- Gloucester
- Dungog
Operational statistics:
Total incidents during this event: 7083
Total flood rescues during this event: 765
Incidents in the last 24 hours to 5am: 1330
Flood rescues in last 24 hours to 5am: 85
Breakdown by zone:
Northern zone: 689
Metro zone: 425
South Eastern zone: 163
North Eastern zone: 25
North Western zone: 2
Southern zone: 15
Western zone: 3
State headquarters: 7
Current warnings:
Emergency: 31
Watch and Act: 56
Advice: 64
Total: 151
Media enquiries:
NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234