800 properties destroyed by floods

Yahoo

27-05-2025

Almost 800 properties have been deemed uninhabitable on the NSW Mid North Coast as the SES begins recovery efforts in the region.
NSW SES spokesman Matt Heap said 794 properties – including residential, commercial and industrial buildings – had been declared uninhabitable after record-breaking floods inundated the region.
'NSW SES and interagency teams have conducted 5300 damage assessments,' Mr Heap said.
'Teams will continue working through those damage assessments, washouts and clean-out efforts over the coming days, and it is likely the number (of uninhabitable properties) will rise.'
It is estimated 10,000 flood-impacted properties will need to be assessed for safety.
'This has been an incredibly challenging event for many communities, and I want to sincerely thank our NSW SES volunteers and partner agencies for their unwavering dedication and commitment in responding to this crisis,' NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing said.
'As we transition into the recovery phase of this operation, our priority remains on delivering essential supplies to the thousands of residents who remain isolated.
'As the water recedes, we are only now starting to see the true scale of the devastation communities are dealing with. We are carrying out rapid assessments and working with communities to wash and clean out properties where it is safe to do so, but with 10,000 properties impacted, this will take time.
'Recovery is a long process, but communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, and I have no doubt they can rebuild together.'
The recovery effort is set to be hindered by damaging winds, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that average gusts of 50 to 65km/h and peaks of about 90km/h are set to hit the Mid North Coast, Hunter, South Coast and Central Tablelands on Tuesday.
Authorities have also warned that residents should be aware of looters after two men were charged after allegedly stealing from destroyed homes.
Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell warned anyone looking to try their luck picking through property that there was an increased police presence in the area.
'We have additional police on the ground and if we find anyone taking advantage of this community, we'll throw the book at them,' Mr Thurtell said.
'The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace.
'Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian.'
The SES has advised residents taking part in the clean-up to be cautious of floodwaters containing dangerous debris and pollutants, such as garbage, chemicals, debris, sewage, germs such as bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Residents have been told to take photos of their properties before they begin cleaning for insurance claims.
They have also been told to wear protective clothing when touching or cleaning flood-damaged items and to leave waste on the kerbside, separating whitegoods and mattresses from other debris.