As Australians, we’re no strangers to wild weather—droughts, bushfires, and, of course, floods.

But even by our standards, the recent deluge across the coastal regions has been nothing short of extraordinary.

With more than 500 flood rescues carried out and over 50,000 people cut off by rising waters, this event is a stark reminder of just how quickly Mother Nature can turn our lives upside down.


The scale of the disaster is hard to fathom. More than 120 flood warnings have been issued, including major alerts for the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning rivers.

In Kempsey, the Macleay River overtopped the levee, forcing evacuations from homes, hotels, and businesses.

Across the region, thousands have been ordered to leave under more than 30 emergency warnings, and 145 schools have closed their doors.


The Bureau of Meteorology has reported some areas receiving over 300mm of rain in just 24 hours, with more on the way.

The SES has warned of further widespread falls of 100–150mm, and some unlucky spots could see up to 300mm more.

Towns like Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, and Dorrigo are all in the firing line.


SES crews have been working around the clock, braving dangerous conditions to reach those in need.

Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone described the situation as 'challenging,' with fast-flowing rivers and flooded roads making access to isolated people extremely difficult.

Dramatic footage has emerged of rescues, including a man who stayed behind to save his dogs after his partner was winched to safety and a woman wading through thigh-deep water to escape her inundated home.

In Taree, the epicentre of the disaster, dozens have been rescued from rooftops, and hundreds more have fled their homes.

One long-time Taree resident, Keith, gave an emotional interview:

'It’s coming in the back door, it’s going into the front door, the water’s pushing all up through the floorboards. It’s destroyed everything.'

His story is echoed by many others who have lost homes, possessions, and peace of mind.

Experts are calling this a 'one-in-500-year event.'

Andrew Gissing, CEO of Natural Hazards Research Australia, says the sheer volume of rain and the saturated ground have combined to create unprecedented flooding.

Climate change is also playing a role, with more frequent and intense weather events becoming the new normal.

Despite the devastation, the Aussie spirit is shining through.

Local businesses, like fast food outlets, have stepped up to feed evacuees.

Evacuation centres have opened their doors in towns across the region, including Dungog, Gloucester, Taree, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie.

Woolworths has kept most stores open to ensure access to essentials, though some, like Kempsey’s, have had to close due to evacuation orders.

The state and federal governments have activated disaster assistance for 16 local government areas, providing emergency accommodation, essential items, and grants for those who have lost everything.

Disaster assistance provides emergency accommodation and essentials for people in evacuation centres.

It offers grants to low-income, uninsured residents to replace basic household items and carry out structural repairs.

Councils receive funding to clean up and restore damaged public assets. Small businesses and producers gain support to replace lost goods, property, and livestock.

Unfortunately, the rain isn’t finished. The Mid-North Coast is bracing for more flash flooding, and even as the focus remains on the east, minor flooding is occurring in the state’s west along the Warrego and Darling Rivers.

Flood warnings are also in place for the upper Nepean, Hawkesbury, and Colo Rivers.

Port Macquarie Airport has been closed, and travel across the region remains hazardous.

Authorities are urging everyone to stay up to date with the latest warnings and to heed evacuation orders immediately.

Events like this are a sobering reminder that floods can happen anywhere, often with little warning.

For the latest updates and safety advice, visit the NSW SES website.

Stay safe, look out for your neighbours, and remember that we’re all together.


Have you or someone you know been affected by these floods? What’s your experience with emergency services and community support? Do you have tips for staying safe during extreme weather? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—your advice could help others prepare for the next big event.