Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reassured flood-affected communities on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast that they are not facing the disaster alone, as emergency services continue to respond to severe flooding that has claimed four lives and isolated more than 50,000 people.
“My message to Australians impacted by the devastating floods is this — you are not alone,” the Prime Minister said, announcing the activation of disaster assistance across 19 local government areas, including Armidale, Muswellbrook and Walcha.
Albanese also confirmed that applications for income support will open Monday through Services Australia for those who have lost income or work due to the flooding.
Albanese urged residents to stay informed through nsw.gov.au/emergency and committed to ongoing support:
“We will keep working to help communities stay safe and recover — together.”
He also paid tribute to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), praising their dedication during the crisis. “The SES don’t ask for praise, but they deserve it,” he said. “In the worst of times, we see the very best of the Australian character.” On Friday, he visited the SES in Maitland for a briefing and to thank responders in person.
The scale of the emergency remains serious, with the SES handling over 1,000 incidents in the past 24 hours, including 339 flood rescues. There are currently 140 active warnings across the state, and many communities remain isolated. Residents are encouraged to use the ‘Hazards Near Me’ app to monitor conditions and heed evacuation advice.
Albanese expressed his condolences following the confirmation of another fatality on the Mid North Coast.
“I am devastated to hear of another death in floodwaters. All of our thoughts are with his loved ones and the community during this incredibly difficult period.”
Emergency services are stretched as the situation evolves. There are currently 39 emergency warnings in place urging evacuations or movement to higher ground. About 9,000 people are under evacuation orders. Heavy rainfall is moving south, affecting the Illawarra, South Coast and inland areas, with Sydney and Newcastle bracing for continued rain and possible flash flooding.
The Nepean Dam is currently spilling, and there are warnings that the Warragamba Dam could follow. The SES has performed 736 flood rescues since the emergency began, and while water levels are starting to ease in some areas, authorities stress that conditions remain volatile.
The St Vincent de Paul Society has launched the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal to assist people impacted by the disaster. The charity is calling for financial donations, which it says are the most effective way to provide support as damaged infrastructure hinders the delivery of physical goods.
Vinnies volunteers will be at recovery centres offering grocery vouchers and financial relief and will also conduct mobile outreach in hard-to-reach areas. Services include the distribution of food, hygiene products, sleeping bags, and emotional support. Homelessness hubs such as Matthew Talbot in Newcastle and Pete’s Place in Coffs Harbour will offer shelter and essential supplies to those without stable housing.
If you need help from the SES, call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000). Stay updated via @NSWSES, @BOM_NSW, and nsw.gov.au/emergency.
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