Canberra: New South Wales is grappling with severe flooding just two months after Cyclone Alfred wreaked havoc across the region. As of Thursday morning, authorities had issued 140 flood warnings, with around 50,000 residents urged to prepare for possible evacuation.
Tragically, the flooding has already claimed lives. A man in his 60s drowned near Moto, close to Coopernook on the Mid North Coast. Later in the day, police confirmed the discovery of another body—believed to be a man in his 30s—also found in floodwaters in the same region. Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell expressed serious concern for two more individuals who remain unaccounted for.
Meteorologists reported a night of relentless downpours across northern NSW, particularly impacting the Mid North Coast and the northern Hunter region. Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) described the situation as "extremely wet," noting that some weather stations recorded up to 300mm of rain in just 24 hours, with weekly totals reaching as high as 600mm.
Among the highest recorded figures was 329mm at Moparrabah, near Kempsey, marking the region’s heaviest rainfall in more than 25 years for any month. Meanwhile, Bellingen saw 337mm, the most rain in May since 1977.
Though conditions are expected to ease somewhat from Thursday afternoon into Friday, widespread flooding remains a threat. Areas affected stretch from Grafton in the Northern Rivers down to the Hunter Valley. Other impacted regions include southern Inverell and Armidale, while minor flooding is also possible along the Warrego and Darling rivers.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued 134 emergency alerts, including 20 urgent "evacuate now" orders. The Kempsey area is currently one of the worst affected, with six such warnings in place.
NSW Premier Chris Minns urged the public to stay alert and avoid flood-affected roads. “We’re urging everyone to heed emergency advice. With 140 flood warnings and 50,000 people potentially facing evacuation, we must act cautiously,” he said. Authorities estimate about 9,500 properties are in immediate danger from the rising waters.
Emergency services continue to work around the clock as communities brace for further impacts from this prolonged and dangerous weather event.
[Human Online, ABC News]
