Snakes, vermin among dangers as four die in NSW floods and rain heads south

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall has devastated communities along Australia’s east coast, particularly in NSW, resulting in at least four confirmed deaths and “a number” of people missing.

A man in his 70s has been found dead in a car in floodwaters near Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, making him the fourth person to die amid devastating flooding which has ravaged parts of the state.

Heavy rain fuelled the floods which hit towns in the Hunter region and mid-north coast, with some saying it could be the worst flooding these areas have recorded in many years.

Four people are dead and “a number” of people are missing.

A slow-moving trough which delivered intense rain will bring further heavy falls to parts of the NSW Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain for the Illawarra, parts of the Hunter region, Sydney, south coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains.

Death toll rises, ‘a number’ of people missing

A man in his 70s was found dead in his car in floodwaters north-west of Coffs Harbour on Friday morning.

Three other people have died, with the NSW SES saying there was also “a number” of people missing.

“Sadly, there’s a number of people that have lost their lives as a result of this severe weather events and our condolences go out to friends and family of those that have lost their lives,” an NSW SES spokesperson said on Friday morning.

“There are a number that are still missing as well and that search continues.”

Overnight, there have been more than 670 flood rescues and over 535 requests for assistance, according to the NSW SES.

“This is a very significant event affecting large parts of community, and total flood rescues has been more than 670,” the SES spokesperson said.

On Wednesday night, a police officer driving a sedan was travelling with a 60-year-old woman in a 4WD vehicle when they came across water over a road near Dorrigo, about 40km inland from Coffs Harbour, NSW Police assistant commissioner David Waddell said.

The officer checked the water level, which was “ankle deep”, and told the woman he was not continuing, advising her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters.

The woman phoned the officer 30 minutes later, saying she was in trouble about 17km away, Waddell said.

She was found dead inside the 4WD on Thursday.

“We’re just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters,” Waddell said.

“It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there’s been some tragedies … obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised.”

A 63-year-old man’s body was found earlier on a flooded home’s veranda at Moto, about 50km south of Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast.

The body of another man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday.

All of the deaths will be reviewed by the coroner.

Emergency warnings in place

At least 150 flood warnings are in place, with 40 of these at the emergency level.

A NSW SES spokesperson said this was the highest warning level, warning residents to take shelter or evacuate. “Shelter in place is really important as well if you can’t get out and the roads are cut off,” they said.

“We urge the public to heed our warnings. We don’t issue them lightly. We assess the risks. Sometimes the risks are not realised, but in this circumstance, with record flooding, it’s really important that you listen to our warnings.”

They also said the flood waters were isolating people, leaving them unable to access food.

“If they don’t eventuate, that’s a good outcome, but we’re seeing significant flooding that is affecting the community and cutting people off where they are isolated and can’t access food and other items,” the spokesperson said.

Vermin and snakes in floodwaters

The NSW SES has warned residents to steer clear of floodwaters.

“Do not drive, walk, play or do other things with the waters. They are dangerous,” they said.

“We’ve seen outcomes that result from the floodwaters, so please don’t take that risk. Even a small amount of water can cause your vehicle to move or for you to be carried away.

“There are many risks that come with floodwaters, if your home or premise has been inundated. Floodwaters have contaminants.”

“There can be vermin, snakes and other vermin as well. So you need to assess those risks,” the NSW SES spokesperson said.

“Electricity can also pose a danger as well so, when you return, make sure you assess those risks.”

Heavy falls potentially totalling 150mm in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the BoM warned.

Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support.

Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said.

Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night.

Mahdi Sedighkia, a flood researcher from The Australian National University, said the latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events.

“We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks.”

— With reporting by Australian Associated Press

Source: sbs.com.au