Communities urged to remain on high alert as flood emergency continues
- intouch Magazine
- May 22
- 3 min read
As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Mid-North Coast, 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).
“We are sending in all our available emergency service resources to support the impacted region. Please check the NSW SES website and Hazards Near Me app and follow public safety advice,” said NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.
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.
“I encourage people to download the Hazards Near Me App which includes the latest warnings and information for impacted communities,” Minister Dib added.
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.
14 evacuation centres remain open across the region where hundreds of people have taken emergency shelter overnight.
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.
“I’ve signed a protection order for volunteers from the NSW SES and other emergency service organisations, providing employment protection while they’re undertaking vital assistance work supporting flood impacted communities,” Minister Dib said.
“I want to thank all the amazing volunteers who are currently supporting flood-affected communities across the Mid-North Coast,” he added.
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.
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).
