The devastating impact of severe flooding on the mid-north coast of New South Wales has resulted in the tragic discovery of the body of a 60-year-old woman, raising the death toll to three individuals. As authorities continue to search for another person who remains missing, communities are grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding that has ravaged the region.

On a press conference held on Thursday, NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "We’re seeing levels of rise in local tributaries, creeks, and rivers that we haven’t seen since 1920." He emphasized that many residents have never before witnessed such overwhelming inundation in their communities, which has left families and local officials in shock.

During the same briefing, NSW Police Northern Regions Commander David Waddell confirmed the third reported death related to the flooding. The woman, whose identity is still pending proper identification, was discovered in Brooklana, located west of Coffs Harbour. Her family has been notified of the tragic news.

Earlier in the week, authorities located a body believed to be that of a man in his 30s, who had been missing since Wednesday night. This body was found near Rosewood. Meanwhile, a 63-year-old man was discovered deceased at a home that had been severely affected by floodwaters on North Moto Road in Moto.

The 60-year-old woman had initially traveled with a police officer towards Coffs Harbour around 7 PM on Wednesday. Upon reaching floodwaters at Caramba Road, the officer, driving a BMW sedan, was unable to proceed. The woman, however, was in a 4WD vehicle and chose to continue after the officer assessed the water levels. Approximately 30 minutes later, she called for help, indicating she was in distress near Brooklana; however, rescuers could not locate her during a subsequent search. Her vehicle was discovered the following day.

Commander Waddell pleaded with the public to steer clear of floodwaters, describing the event as a "once-in-a-lifetime disaster." He noted the emotional toll on first responders, particularly the officer who last spoke with the woman, stating that support services are being provided to him in light of the tragic circumstances.

A man who went missing after walking near a flooded road in Nymboida is still unaccounted for, adding to the concerns of local authorities and families.

Despite having thousands of emergency service personnel mobilized in the region, Premier Minns mentioned that the scale of damage and the number of isolated communities significantly outstripped the resources available. The NSW Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib, reported that approximately 2,500 personnel, including 2,200 State Emergency Service (SES) workers, were actively responding to the crisis.

In a grim update from the Bureau of Meteorology, Steve Bernasconi indicated that dangerous flooding conditions are expected to persist, with intense rainfall battering the mid-north coast for the third consecutive day. While there may be some relief in rainfall around the southern Hunter and Blue Mountains, the flood risk remains critical, with continued monitoring of downstream flooding necessary.

The SES reported a staggering 149 active warnings, including 37 emergency warnings, with an estimated 48,000 residents isolated by floodwaters. Emergency personnel have conducted over 600 flood rescues and received more than 4,600 calls for assistance as they continue to aid individuals trapped by rising waters, particularly in Glenthorne.

Essential services, such as telecommunications, have also been severely affected as a result of the flooding. SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey indicated that flood rescue teams, comprising 500 rescue boats and nine helicopters, are actively engaged between the Hunter region and Coffs Harbour, with additional resources on the way.

Major flooding is currently occurring on rivers including the Manning, Paterson, Hastings, Williams, Nambucca, and Macleay rivers. Storey warned residents that while some regions may experience a temporary reprieve from rainfall, the potential for renewed river rises remains a serious threat.

He urged the public to heed evacuation orders, stating, "More emergency warnings will likely be issued, and if you are asked to leave, please do so. Our volunteers and partner agencies are working around the clock to prioritize rescues and providing assistance to those in need, but we want people to evacuate when instructed."

Currently, there are 15 evacuation centers open across the region, including locations at Dungog, Gloucester, Taree, Wingham, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie. Lauren Edwards, Deputy Mayor of the Port Macquarie-Hastings council, relayed that multiple evacuation warnings have been issued for various communities, particularly for low-lying areas in Port Macquarie, where critical roads have been rendered impassable.

Mark Graham, a resident of Coffs Harbour, recounted the relentless rain that persisted for hours on Wednesday, compounding months of wet conditions that have left the region vulnerable. By Thursday afternoon, he noted several businesses and roads had become inundated, painting a bleak picture of the local situation.

In light of the disaster, Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain announced the activation of disaster recovery allowances for affected areas, including Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Dungog, and MidCoast. McBain underscored the role of climate change in exacerbating the frequency and severity of such disasters worldwide.

The following evacuation centers have been established to assist those displaced by the flooding:

  • Dungog RSL Club
  • Club Gloucester
  • Club Taree
  • Manning Point Bowling Club
  • Wingham RSL
  • Bulahdelah Golf Club
  • Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club
  • Kempsey Showground
  • Panthers Port Macquarie
  • Coffs Harbour Club
  • Sawtell RSL Club
  • Nambucca RSL Club
  • Old Bar Bowling Club
  • Wauchope Showground
  • Coopernook Hall

As the situation continues to evolve, emergency services remain on high alert, urging residents to stay safe and remain vigilant.