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Floods

Devastating Floods Hit Mid North Coast, NSW Premier Warns of Dangers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Emergency services scrambled to rescue residents and respond to calls for help as the Mid North Coast of New South Wales faced unprecedented flooding, forcing the declaration of a natural disaster zone. The region's flooding has not only caused widespread destruction and loss of life but also raised concerns about the impact on the community's mental health and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Manning River flooded at a level of 6.1 meters, surpassing the previous record of 6 meters set in 1929, causing widespread destruction and displacement of residents.
  • A 63-year-old man was found dead in his home in Moto, northeast of Taree, after emergency services were called to the property due to flooding.
  • Grave fears are held for three people reported missing during the floods, and a search operation is underway to locate them.
  • The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, issued a stern warning to people not to drive through floodwaters, stating that "Not only are you putting your lives at risk, but also the lives of the emergency services workers deployed to help save you."
  • The police helicopter, PolAir, completed 22 rescues from flood-affected homes and roads on the Mid North Coast, including the rescue of a woman and her two-year-old child, an elderly man, and four other people from three homes in River Road Coolongolook.
  • Since Tuesday, May 21, PolAir has had a full-time presence on the Mid North Coast, performing a total of 22 rescues, including the winch rescue of four dogs and one cat.
  • Incidents of note include the rescue of two people stuck on the roof of their vehicle after driving through floodwaters, the rescue of four truck drivers, and the transportation of essential medication to paramedics on Oxley Island.

Statistics:

  • The floods have completely inundated the town of Taree, leaving residents stranded and searching for shelter.
  • The flooding has resulted in the declaration of a natural disaster zone, with the NSW Premier, Chris Minns, stating that it is the largest deployment for a natural disaster the state has seen, with 2500 emergency service workers on the ground.
  • The police helicopter, PolAir, performed a total of 18 winch rescues in the 24 hours until 8am Thursday, May 22, with four dogs and one cat being rescued along with their owners.
  • The total number of rescues completed by PolAir since Tuesday, May 21, is 22, with a further 4 people being rescued on Wednesday and 1 cat being rescued on Wednesday.
  • The penalties for deliberately or recklessly driving through floodwaters in NSW include fines and potential loss of license.

Sources:

  • "NSW Premier warns of dangers as Mid North Coast floods worsen" by ABC News (May 22, 2024)
  • "Floods: man's body found in Moto, northeast of Taree" by The Guardian (May 22, 2024)
  • "PolAir completes 22 rescues on Mid North Coast as floods worsen" by 9News (May 22, 2024)

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