Disaster Declaration and Flood Warnings
Flooding in the Singleton and Upper Hunter shires has been declared a Natural Disaster, activating support from the State and Federal Governments.
Other local government areas given the declaration include Maitland, Cessnock, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.
The Mid North Coast and Central Coast have also been declared disaster zones.
Aid includes money for emergency accommodation, stock feed, and grants for people on a low income who aren’t insured.
Federal Emergency Management Minister, Kristie McBain, said the help is being distributed through Service New South Wales.
“These floods and severe weather are having a huge impact on communities across the Hunter and Mid North Coast, which is why we’re working with the Minns Government to activate this support,” Minister McBain said.
Body In Flooded House.
The body of a 63-year-old man was found in a flooded house on the Mid north Coast on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency crews found the body at Moto near Taree.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Body Located in Floodwaters.
The body of a man in his 30s whose car was reportedly trapped in floodwaters last night near Wauchope was discovered by police on Thursday Morning.
Body of Woman in 4WD
NSW Police confirmed Thursday night that they found the body of a woman, trapped in her 4WD near Dorrigo.
Police said the 60-year-old woman has been advised earlier, not to drive through floodwaters.
Upper Hunter Flood Watch
The Hunter is one of six rivers contributing to the flooding.
We’re advised to monitor flood conditions in areas that include Singleton, Aberdeen, low lying parts of Muswellbrook, Bulga, Wollombi, Moonan Flat near Scone and parts of Maitland.
On Wednesday residents in parts of Dungog were advised to evacuate due to hazardous flooding.
More than 500 people have been rescued from floodwater in the Hunter and Mid North Coast over the past few days.
SES Assistant Commissioner, Colin Malone, said conditions are challenging for crews on the ground.
“We’ve seen continual rainfall and very fast flowing rivers, which when combined with flooded roads have made it very difficult to access some isolated people,” he said.
For More Information
*For disaster assistance nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and disasterassist.gov.au.
*If you are isolated or need emergency flood damage help phone the SES on 132 500
*Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at www.bom.gov.au/nsw
*Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.
*In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
