NSW Floods: One Dead, Hundreds Isolated as Emergency Services Battle Devastating Conditions

Flooding in NSW Declared Natural Disaster; One Dead, Many Isolated The New South Wales mid-north coast is grappling with devastating floods, declared a natural disaster after the discovery of a man's body in a home. Emergency services are engaged in a massive rescue operation, but face significant challenges due to the severe weather conditions. "The sad news this morning of the first confirmed flood death," reported ABC News Australia. Police discovered the body of a 63-year-old man in Motol, a small community north of Taree, around 3 pm yesterday. Many people in the Taree area remain stranded, awaiting rescue. The Hastings River in Port Macquarie has overflowed its banks, inundating numerous riverside homes and businesses. Many homes are isolated, and SES crews are working hard to reach those in need, despite hazardous conditions. Dallas Burnes, from the NSW State Emergency Service, urged residents to heed evacuation orders. "If people do receive an evacuation order or warning, rather, could they please follow it?" he stressed, highlighting the delays in rescue efforts due to the challenging conditions. He emphasized, "The best thing the community can do is get themselves safe, high and dry. Don't wait and see if the water's coming; if you receive that messaging, please leave immediately." The situation remains critical, with further heavy rainfall expected over the next 24 hours, potentially exceeding 200mm in some areas. However, there's hope that the weather will improve tomorrow, allowing river levels to recede and rescue efforts to accelerate. The community's resilience and the dedication of emergency services offer a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.