New South Wales | Flood rescues keep SES crews busy

Heavy rain and flooding have affected parts of the north coast and mid north coast of New South Wales, which has seen many people caught up in the rising floodwater.

To date, the NSW SES has carried out a total of 42 flood rescues since the severe weather began on the north coast earlier in the week. Most of these rescues have involved people trapped in their cars by floodwater. Of significance was a flood rescue yesterday involving 10 vehicles on the Pacific Highway at Corindi, north of Coffs Harbour. Luckily, in this case and in all other cases everyone was rescued without injury.

NSW SES Commissioner, Murray Kear, has reminded people to be vigilant around floods.

“I would urge people in the flood affected areas to delay all non-essential travel. If holidaymakers are planning on visiting these regions I would also encourage them to postpone those plans until the floods clear,” he said. “Floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away. Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.”

Around 800 requests for assistance have been received from areas around the Tweed and further south to Coffs Harbour. Around 300 SES volunteers are in the field attending to these jobs, the majority of which are flood-related.

More than a thousand people remain isolated by floodwater at Bellingen and Darkwood and some rural properties around Mullumbimby on the north coast are also isolated.

SES volunteers are expecting a busy few days ahead with the heavy rain likely to continue throughout the weekend. If you need assistance in a flood or storm call the SES on 132 500. Dial 000 in life-threatening situations.

Learn how to be FloodSafe .