Lismore floods: Nearmap aerial imagery reveals damage and devastation

The extent of the recent flood threat at Lismore, which left the community “rattled” as rising floodwaters crept near homes and businesses, has been revealed in staggering aerial images.

From April to July to November, Nearmap aerial images show the difference in floodwaters. Picture: Nearmap

The relief of residents after floodwaters eased in Lismore is palpable and jaw-dropping, as aerial imagery reveals the recent flooding in comparison to the horrific April devastation.

Lismore’s severe weather warning was cancelled earlier this week, after the threat of major flooding loomed over the beleaguered city.

Steady rainfall had left the Lismore CBD basin at risk of flash flooding as the Browns Creek flood gates remained shut.

Residents described feeling “rattled and on edge” with many fearful they would go through another nightmare experience similar to the April floods, where home and livelihoods were destroyed and lives were lost.

But in some much-need good news for the region, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a shock visit to Lismore on Friday announcing $800 million for buybacks, house raising or retrofitting for 2000 homes in the Northern Rivers.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin announce buy backs for the Northern Rivers.

The cash will be offered only to Northern Rivers residents located in the most vulnerable areas – where major flooding would pose a catastrophic risk to life.

Mr Albanese delivered the news outside of the North Lismore home of Brian Burgin, who almost drowned during the February floods.

The aerial imagery, provided by Nearmap, shows how the view of the raging floodwaters compared from April to October.

Nearmap aims to capture aerial imagery following every major natural disaster in Australia that has a significant impact on property, infrastructure, and communities.

Nearmap ImpactResponse combines the firm’s leading aerial imagery, location intelligence and geospatial tools so businesses in sectors including government, insurance, and property have access to current information on the ground following natural disasters, at a time when ground access is limited, and inspection resources are stretched.

It was a traumatic few weeks for Lismore residents in March and April as flood-weary residents were urged to stay out of the CBD.

Many were forced to evacuate from their homes, while hundreds had to wait to be rescued after rapidly rising floodwaters trapped them.

Locals mourned after the desperate search for a woman who went missing in Northern NSW flood waters came to a tragic end, with the aged care nurse’s body found in North Lismore.