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Record Flooding in NSW Declared a Natural Disaster as Death Toll Rises

Two fatalities confirmed, three missing, and 50,000 residents stranded as torrential rain continues to devastate Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.

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A supplied image obtained on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, of scenes in Wauchope as part of severe weather impacting the Hunter and NSW mid-north coast. Heavy falls are occurring around the NSW Mid North Coast and will continue on Wednesday as a coastal trough slowly tracks north. (AAP Image/Supplied by NSW SES) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Overview

  • A slow-moving coastal trough has unleashed four months' worth of rain in just two days, causing unprecedented flooding in New South Wales' Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.
  • Two deaths have been confirmed, including a 63-year-old man in Moto and a man in his 30s in Rosewood, while authorities hold grave fears for three missing individuals.
  • Approximately 50,000 residents are isolated by floodwaters, with evacuation orders issued for 34 areas and over 500 flood rescues conducted by emergency services.
  • The flooding has breached levees, submerged town centers, and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, with some rivers yet to peak.
  • Emergency response efforts have been scaled up, with 2,500 personnel, including SES volunteers and ADF teams, deployed to assist in rescues and provide aid to affected communities.