One man has died, and authorities are concerned about three others who are believed to be missing due to a significant flood on the Central Coast of New South Wales.
Prime Minister Chris Mins described the last 48 hours as “very difficult,” adding that the area could see an additional 100mm of rain within the next day, with some isolated regions already accumulating up to 300mm.
“The harsh reality is that these natural disasters are becoming more frequent,” Mins commented on Thursday.
According to NSW police, the body of a 63-year-old man was found at his flood-affected home on North Moto Road, Moto, on Wednesday afternoon. A coroner’s report will follow.
Acting Police Commissioner Peter Sartel reported that three individuals are currently missing: a 60-year-old woman from the Dorigo area, a 25-year-old man from Waucorp, and a 49-year-old man possibly involved in the flooding.
“These individuals are reported missing, but it’s not confirmed yet,” Thurtell remarked, noting that there are serious concerns for their safety.
Mins expressed condolences to the family and community of the deceased, emphasizing the need to focus on recovery following such a tragic loss.
He also warned that more bad news may arise within the next 24 hours, as this disaster has greatly impacted the local community.
Currently, about 50,000 residents are being advised to prepare for possible evacuation, with 9,500 properties near the warning zones.
By Thursday morning, NSW Emergency Services Commissioner Mike Washing stated there were 145 flood warnings in place, 34 of which were deemed emergencies. Emergency services are concentrating efforts on areas from Tully to Coffs Port, including communities such as Port Macquarie, Kempsey, and Bellingen, all facing flooding issues.
“What the community can do is to heed these warnings. If you receive evacuation orders and it’s safe to do so, please evacuate early,” he urged.
Emergency Services Minister Jihaddib commented on the increasingly severe weather conditions in central and northern coast areas, which have been exacerbated by recent rainfall.
Around 2,500 personnel, including 2,200 State Emergency Service (SES) workers, are actively supporting the affected communities.
Heavy rain is expected to continue affecting the northern coast until Friday morning, creating ongoing difficulties for those cut off by rising waters.
The Weather Bureau issued a severe weather warning early Thursday, extending coverage to areas earlier hit hard, like Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast, including North Tableland and Kitagawa.
Wassing emphasized that rescue conditions are dangerous, underscoring the urgency of evacuation warnings and the uncertainty surrounding the ability to conduct rescues promptly.
Evacuation centers have been established in several locations, including Dungog, Gloucester, and Port Macquarie.
Helen Holiday, who runs a medical practice in Tully, mentioned that the flood’s effects were still unclear due to access issues. She expressed frustration at the disruption, highlighting the impact on her practice and community.
Many local businesses were evacuated, with some taking precautions to secure inventory in higher areas. Cafes and restaurants that offered free meals to community members also faced flooding.
Holiday remarked that areas like Tully South are in a dire state, as many residents are now aware of those who’ve lost everything.
She raised an important question: “How long will it take for people to realize there is a climate emergency?”
Meanwhile, the Manning River has exceeded historical flood levels from 1929, and experts note that such extreme weather patterns are becoming alarmingly more frequent.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Christy McBane indicated that disaster recovery allowances have been activated for affected councils.
McBane also linked increased disaster frequency globally to climate change, noting that while such events may not occur monthly, their impacts are devastating for communities.
