More than 10,000 homes are estimated to have been damaged in the devastating flood emergency sweeping across New South Wales. As the crisis begins to shift into the cleanup and recovery phase, emergency crews warn the situation remains dangerous despite signs of easing.
The Insurance Council of Australia says it has already received 1,600 insurance claims, with thousands more expected in the coming days as residents begin returning to properties and assessing the damage.
“We’ve had up to 50,000 people evacuated over the past few days,” CEO Andrew Hall told the ABC. “As the water recedes, people are discovering the extent of the damage. I urge people to lodge claims as soon as they can and if you’ve forgotten who your insurer is, check your banking app for clues.”
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) says crews are now turning their attention to damage assessments and cleanup operations, but conditions remain volatile across several communities.
“This is still a dangerous situation,” said SES Chief Superintendent Paul McQueen. “We’re seeing conditions improve in some areas, but we cannot let people return to their homes until floodwaters have receded further and we’re confident it’s safe.”
More than 31 emergency flood warnings remain in place across the state, particularly affecting the Mid North Coast, Hunter and Central West regions. Taree, Kempsey, and surrounding towns have seen some of the worst flooding in nearly a century, with the Manning River at Taree peaking at levels not seen since 1929.
So far, five people have died in flood-related incidents. The body of a man believed to be his 80s was found on Friday inside a burnt-out vehicle in the shed of a Cooplacurripa property, about 50km north-west of Taree.
Key transport routes like the Pacific Highway remain closed in sections due to inundation and landslides, and more than 5,000 homes are without power. Public transport across Sydney and surrounding regions has also been impacted, with delays and cancellations reported.
Emergency services have conducted over 760 flood rescues since the deluge began, with more than 7,000 calls for assistance logged.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have both visited affected regions, offering federal and state support for recovery efforts. Disaster assistance has been activated for 19 local government areas, including financial aid for individuals and businesses.
Authorities continue to urge people not to drive through floodwaters.
“This recovery will take time,” Superintendent McQueen said. “But our crews are on the ground, and help is on the way.”
