As severe weather continues to impact the NSW, communities are being urged to remain on high alert.
Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue throughout today, and flash flooding is a risk in the Mid-North Coast region and adjacent Northern Tablelands and the Hunter, with a particular focus between Kempsey and Dorrigo.
While heavy rainfall continues, the impacts remain wide-reaching, with communities being strongly advised to evacuate when asked to do so by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).
To stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app. The number of people using the Hazards Near Me app has quadrupled in the past week from around 26,000 to more than 100,000 active users.
More than 2,500 personnel, 500 boats and vehicles and a fleet of helicopters have been deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.
The NSW SES has responded to around 4,000 incidents since the severe weather began.
Rescues are continuing with around 300 people already brought to safety over the past 24 hours including dozens of overnight rescues.
Conditions remain challenging with fast flowing rivers, continuous rainfall and flooded roads making it difficult for emergency services to safely access some isolated areas.
While authorities continue to work around the clock, emergency service crews can never guarantee an immediate rescue of those who remain in impacted areas.
In total, more than 500 flood rescues have been completed with the support of specialist flood and in water crews from the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW.
Personnel from Ambulance NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are also assisting in the natural disaster response, along with the Australian Defence Force.
The community is being urged to heed the advice of emergency services and always avoid driving through floodwaters.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has signed a protection order for volunteers involved in responding to this weather event ensuring their employment will not be affected while they assist in the response.
As this situation continues to unfold, the ongoing support of volunteers will be crucial over the coming days and weeks.
“If you are an individual or part of a group who is ready and willing to help, consider partnering with the NSW SES, local authorities and endorsed community groups.” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.
“Your support could be invaluable for urgent tasks such as sandbagging, sharing information, and participating in clean-up activities.”
For evacuation centre locations and more information, visit the NSW SES website.
Visit the Live Traffic NSW website for the latest road closures and traffic conditions.
If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
Farmers face fresh flooding
Meanwhile, major flooding comes as a fresh blow for farmers recovering from a spate of recent floods, the state’s peak farm body has said.
NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said farmers were bracing for further damage in affected regions as water levels continued to rise.
“Farmers have done a great job of preparing for this event, but it’s important they reach out for help if they need it,” Mrs Reardon said.
“The authorities are ready to give their support, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as well as Local Land Services have a range of information on their social media channels to help farm businesses manage through this event.
“This is another flood we didn’t need, so it’s important we all look out for each other – and it’s always better we’re safe, than sorry.”
As the rain and flooding continued, Mrs Reardon said it was clear the impact of the event on farm communities would be significant.
“Fences and farm infrastructure have already been damaged again, roads are cut or ruined, and paddocks and crops have now been waterlogged for months on end,” Mrs Reardon said.
“Farmers have been putting up an incredible front, but we’re also now heading into cold conditions that will put a chokehold on any pasture growth – so it could be a challenging winter ahead with little fodder available.
“We don’t know the full extent of the damage just yet, but we know it’ll take a serious recovery effort to get everyone back on track as farmers absorb some significant production losses and challenges in their businesses.”
Lists of emergency contacts, health and wellbeing services and other useful links are available on the NSW Farmers website.
Affected farmers should report any flood damage to their properties to NSW DPIRD via this survey to help get support moving as quickly as possible.
For assistance with completing the survey, farmers should contact their region’s Local Land Services office.
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