Taree, NSW – A catastrophic flood event, described as a ‘one-in-500-year’ disaster, has left hundreds of residents stranded overnight on rooftops and cut off entire communities across the NSW Mid North Coast, including towns like Taree, Wingham, and Port Macquarie.
Emergency services, including SES, RFS, and NSW Police, worked through the night to rescue people trapped by the rapidly rising waters. Helicopters were seen airlifting families from the roofs of their homes, while rescue boats navigated submerged streets to evacuate the elderly and vulnerable.
The NSW State Emergency Service confirmed that more than 3,000 calls for help were received in just 24 hours, with at least 400 flood rescues carried out by early Wednesday morning.
The Manning River in Taree and surrounding water systems burst their banks late Tuesday, following record-breaking rainfall that dumped over 300mm in 24 hours – a level not seen in the region for more than five centuries, according to meteorologists.
“This is a disaster of historic proportions,” said a Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson. “The scale and speed of the water rise caught many off guard, despite advance warnings.”
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, including:
Taree CBD
Low-lying parts of Wingham
Areas around the Hastings River in Port Macquarie
Evacuation centres have been set up in local schools and sports halls, with volunteers and emergency workers providing shelter, food, and emotional support to those displaced.
Several communities remain without electricity, and major highways, including parts of the Pacific Highway, are either washed out or impassable due to landslides and floodwaters.
Authorities have urged the public to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel, as conditions remain dangerous and more rain is forecast in the coming days.
NSW Premier is expected to visit the affected areas today and has already pledged emergency financial assistance for impacted families and businesses.
“This is a very serious emergency. We are with the people of the Mid North Coast,” she said. “Rebuilding and recovery will take time, but help is on the way.”
