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Floods

NSW Floods: Persistent Rain Causes Flash Flooding, Leaves Thousands Without Access

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Heavy rain and flash flooding have pummeled New South Wales, with over 60 schools closed and thousands affected across the mid north coast and Hunter regions. Emergency services have responded to over 2,000 calls, evacuated 60 people, and performed 24 flood rescues in the past 24 hours. The situation remains critical, with minor to major warnings for flooding in place and residents in Taree advised to take shelter.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 2,000 calls were received by the State Emergency Service (SES) in the past 24 hours, with 1,400 incidents responded to and 60 people evacuated.
  • 24 flood rescues were conducted, with several homes inundated by rising waters, forcing residents to be relocated to safety.
  • The worst-affected area was Taree, where over 160mm of rain fell in just six hours, with 267mm recorded since 9am on Monday.
  • Schools, including Tinonee public school, have closed, and some childcare centers are operating with reduced staff due to the flooding.
  • Residents are advised to avoid driving through flooded areas, with warnings from authorities that even shallow water can sweep away cars and put lives at risk.
  • The SES has asked people in isolated locations to evacuate, including at Dungog, Paterson, Gloucester, Bulahdelah, and Chinchester Dam.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 calls received by the SES in the past 24 hours
  • 1,400 incidents responded to by the SES
  • 60 people evacuated by the SES
  • 24 flood rescues conducted by the SES
  • 160mm of rain fell in Taree in six hours
  • 267mm of rain recorded in Taree since 9am on Monday
  • Over 1,600 SES personnel have been deployed
  • 68 schools have been closed due to flooding
  • Emergency centers are open in Taree

Sources:

  • NSW SES
  • ABC TV
  • Lisa Mumford, Burrell Creek resident
  • Dheera Smith, former mid north coast council councillor and resident of Mondrook
  • NSW Premier Chris Minns
  • Minister for roads and regional transport Jenny Aitchison
  • State Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib
  • Bureau of Meteorology

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