Parts of Australia are once again in the grip of a devastating ‘rain bomb’, with torrential downpours triggering deadly floods, urgent evacuation orders, and a tragic loss of life.
The discovery and the heavy rainfall have led authorities to issue evacuation warnings.
As the relentless weather system continues to batter, authorities are urging tens of thousands to act quickly and seek higher ground, with the risk of further tragedy looming large.
A tragic loss amid the deluge
The most sobering news came from the state’s Mid North Coast, New South Wales, where a 63-year-old man was found dead in his inundated home near Coopernook.
Emergency services responded to reports of a body at a property on North Moto Road around 3 pm on Wednesday.
Upon arrival, police discovered the man’s body inside a residence that had been overtaken by floodwaters.
An investigation is underway, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. The man’s identity has not yet been released, but his death is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these extreme weather events.
Communities cut off and rescues underway
The scale of the crisis is staggering. Torrential rain has isolated tens of thousands of residents, with the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) carrying out more than 340 flood rescues in just 24 hours.
Helicopters have been deployed to winch stranded residents from rooftops, and more than 100 rescues were still outstanding on Thursday morning.
In total, the SES responded to over 1,000 incidents overnight, with conditions described as ‘challenging’ due to fast-flowing rivers and flooded roads.
Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone of the SES said, ‘We’ve seen continual rainfall and very fast flowing rivers which, when combined with flooded roads, have made it very difficult to access some isolated people. While dozens of rescues have been completed overnight, they continue to be received.’
Rainfall records smashed—and more to come
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that falls of 200-300mm are likely in the next 24 hours, particularly around north coast communities such as Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, and Dorrigo.
The slow-moving trough responsible for the deluge is expected to contract southwards, but not before dumping even more rain on already saturated ground.
Major flooding is expected to continue in areas like Macksville and Port Macquarie, with the Macleay River overtopping a levee in Kempsey and still rising.
Some 50,000 people have been warned they could be isolated for days, with authorities warning that the situation could persist for a week or more.
Schools closed, livestock lost, and communities rally
The impact on daily life has been profound. Nearly 30 schools along the east coast have been forced to close, and farmers are counting the cost as livestock are swept away by floodwaters.
In a heartening display of community spirit, locals have taken to social media to help reunite lost cattle with their owners, sharing photos and updates on community Facebook pages.
Evacuation centres have been established in Dungog, Gloucester, Taree, Manning Point, Wingham, Bulahdelah, Tuncurry Beach, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie, providing shelter and support for those forced to leave their homes.
Disaster assistance and insurance concerns
The scale of the disaster has prompted both state and federal governments to activate disaster assistance support measures for 16 local government areas in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain acknowledged the ‘huge impact’ the floods are having on communities, while the Insurance Council of Australia has warned that the flooding could be catastrophic, reminiscent of the devastating events of 2022.
Andrew Hall, chief executive of the Insurance Council, said, ‘We are closely monitoring the severe weather across the entire state.’ The insurance industry is bracing for a wave of claims as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
A community under strain, but not broken
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences to the family of the man who lost his life, and praised the efforts of volunteers and local communities.
‘It’s very sad, and when there’s these terrible natural disasters, they hit ordinary families in terrible ways and our heart goes out to obviously that man and his family,’ he said.
‘I’m very grateful we’ve got thousands of volunteers and the local community has really rallied in the last 48 hours, but they’ve needed to.’
Staying safe: What you need to know
With more than 100 flood warnings still in place, authorities are urging everyone in affected areas to stay alert, heed evacuation orders, and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
If you’re in a flood-prone area, have an emergency kit ready, keep your phone charged, and stay tuned to local news and SES updates.
Have you been affected? Share your story
We know many of our readers live in or have family in the affected regions. Have you experienced flooding before? Are you currently impacted by the latest deluge?
What advice would you give to others facing similar challenges? Please share your stories, tips, and words of support in the comments below—your experience could help others stay safe and feel less alone during this difficult time.
Stay safe, look out for your neighbours, and remember: in times of crisis, community is our greatest strength.
If you’re in a life-threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For urgent assistance during floods, storms, or tsunamis, call NSW SES on 132 500.
