Severe flooding across the New South Wales mid-north coast has left three people dead, one missing, and tens of thousands isolated, with authorities warning the situation could worsen. Torrential rain over three consecutive days has caused rivers and tributaries to overflow, prompting 149 flood warnings, including 37 emergency alerts, and cutting off entire communities. Premier Chris Minns described the flooding as the worst many residents have seen in their lifetimes, comparing it to levels not witnessed since 1920.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has deployed 500 boats and nine helicopters to assist the more than 48,000 people stranded by floodwaters. Despite these efforts, emergency services are struggling to reach everyone in need. 2,200 SES personnel and additional support teams are on the ground, with continued assistance required as conditions evolve. Police Northern Region Commander David Waddell confirmed the third fatality on Thursday evening, as search efforts intensified in multiple locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest victim, a 60-year-old woman, was found near Brooklana, west of Coffs Harbour, after attempting to drive through floodwaters<\/a>. She was last seen traveling in a 4WD around 7 p.m. Wednesday after a police officer advised against continuing. She later phoned for help but could not be located until Thursday. Earlier, a 63-year-old man was found deceased on North Moto Road, and a third body\u2014believed to be a man in his 30s\u2014was recovered near Rosewood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another person remains missing in Nymboida after failing to return home from a walk near flooded roads. Commander Waddell described the ongoing flood event as \u201creally dangerous\u201d and \u201conce in a lifetime,\u201d urging residents not to enter floodwaters under any circumstances. Support services have been assigned to assist affected emergency personnel, including the officer who last saw the woman at Brooklana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n