Fourth flood death as weather chaos tracks south
A man’s body has been found in a vehicle near Coffs Harbour, the fourth confirmed death in the devastating flooding on the NSW mid-north coast.
As the flooding continued and the damaging weather system tracked south, NSW Police confirmed the man’s death on Friday morning.
“A passing motorist saw a vehicle about 4.30am [on Friday], which had run off Orara Way at Nana Glen, about 30 kilometres from Coffs Harbour,” they said.
“Officers … attended the scene and found the body of a man inside. He appeared to be the only occupant.
“Initial inquiries indicate the man is aged in his 70s … [His] identity is yet to be formally confirmed.”
Earlier, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell confirmed the third death.
He said a police officer was travelling in one vehicle with a 60-year-old woman in another, a 4WD , when they struck water over a road near Dorrigo on Wednesday night.
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The officer checked the water level, which was “ankle deep”. He told the woman he was not continuing, and advised her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters.
Half an hour later, she phoned him to say she was in trouble about 17 kilometres away, Waddell said.
She was found dead inside her 4WD on Thursday.
“We’re just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters,” Waddell said.
“It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there’s been some tragedies … obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised.”
Further heavy falls are set to hit parts of the Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning.
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A 63-year-old man’s body was found earlier on a flooded home’s verandah at Moto.
The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday.
There are grave fears for another man who remains missing.
The coroner will review all of the deaths.
Heavy falls potentially totalling 150 millimetres in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned.
Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support.
Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said.
Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night.
Australian National University flood researcher Mahdi Sedighkia said the latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events.
“We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks,” Sedighkia said.
