Flooding on the Mid North Coast
Sat, 11/07/2009 - 14:06
Flooding on NSW Mid North Coast
NSW Government today declared a natural disaster following flooding on the State's Mid North Coast.
The declaration covers the Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Bellingen and Kempsey Shires, which have suffered damage to infrastructure, particularly to roads, bridges, culverts and water bores during the current flood event.
Conditions are now easing, following heavy rainfalls of over 530mm in some locations that resulted in minor to moderate main-river flooding and localised flash flooding.
Over 4000 people are isolated at Bellingen, Darkwood, in the upper Kalang and Bowraville areas, with a further 200 facing isolation later today and tonight at Coutts Crossing on the Orara
River. The SES is continuing to monitor these isolated communities in case of medical emergency or for resupply of essential items. As the floodwaters recede, these communities will once again return to normal.
A natural disaster declaration provides for a range of assistance for residents, councils and business owners who have suffered property damage. It will particularly help ensure councils are reimbursed for the cost of repairing public infrastructure.
This declaration does not preclude further analysis of damage caused as a result of flooding and that further declarations can be made in the coming days as flood waters recede and even more damage to infrastructure becomes apparent.
Members of the State Emergency Service are thanked for their hard work to assist the community. SES volunteers responded quickly to calls for help and have put in a tremendous effort. More than 80 volunteers have been working in the field and in other logistical roles.
By noon, the SES had received over 400 requests for assistance from the Mid North Coast communities, with the greatest concentration in the Clarence-Nambucca region, with teams attending to flash flooding, fallen trees, leaking roofs and blocked gutters.
Anyone who still needs help from the SES should call 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, people should always call Triple Zero.