Death toll climbs in NSW floods as tributes flow for victims

A radio presenter has been named among the four victims in NSW’s flood disaster as authorities warn the state could see more fatalities.

A radio presenter has been named among the four victims in NSW’s flood disaster as authorities warn the state could see more fatalities.

Many of Lismore’s 43,000 residents were forced out of their homes after more than 700mm of rain fell in just 30 hours by Monday afternoon.

Overnight, rain continued to sweep through the state with a number of suburbs in Sydney urged to evacuate.

Northern NSW was not spared, with receding water slowed by king tides and tens of thousands homeless and without drinking water.

A home in Lismore also caught fire despite being partially submerged.

Two women and two men are confirmed dead after the record flooding in northern NSW, with recording artist, country singer and “local legend” Marge Graham named among the victims.

Heavy rains has caused massive flooding in the northern rivers area of NSW with many low lying towns like Lismore, Grafton and Maclean experiencing near record river levels. Picture: Toby Zerna

The 82-year-old, who founded Lismore’s annual The Cedar Guitar Country Music Festival, died when flooding swept Lismore so quickly that she was unable to escape her home.

She hosted the program Country Breakfast on local radio station River FM92.9.

“My beautiful client Marge Graham who has been with me since the first day I started 35 years ago has lost her life in the floods and my deepest sympathy goes to all her family,” local business owner Tracy said.

“I’m heartbroken for you all. Marge was only in my salon ten days ago and we always had a great chat everytime she came in.”

A neighbour discovered her body in South Lismore on Tuesday after concern for her friend’s welfare led her to search the home.

“The CMAA is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Northern NSW country music performer, broadcaster, promoter, and event organiser Marge Graham,” the Country Music Association of Australia said in a statement.

“We’d like to extend our thoughts and well-wishes to Marge’s family and friends during this very sad time, and to all those who have been affected by the terrible floods in Qld and NSW. Please stay safe.”

Lorraine Hyman, also in her 80s, is the second woman identified.

The third victim has been identified as 56-year-old Stuart Bock, whose body was found in Lismore CBD on Wednesday morning after a tragic search by family and friends that lasted for days.

Mr Bock had lived in the area for decades and had “always bounced back on his feet”, his devastated daughters Amanda and Crystal Bock told ABC’s 7.30 program.

They believe he may have died helping a mate clear out his “favourite pub”.

“He was a very unconditionally loving man,” they said.

Stuart Bock is the third named victim of the floods in Lismore.

Indigenous man Ivan Kapeen had to be rescued from his shed on Caralamo Island near Maclean after waters inundated his property. Picture: Toby Zerna

Deputy NSW Premier Paul Toole confirmed the death Wednesday morning describing the situation as “terrible”..

“One life lost is too many but these are communities that have been impacted, families, loved ones that have been impacted by these losses.”

Hours later, shortly after 2pm on Wednesday, volunteers from NSW SES were conducting rescue and recovery operations when they attended a unit block on Cromer Street, South Lismore.

Upon arrival, the body of a man believed to be aged in his 70s was located inside a flooded unit; he is yet to be formally identified.

He became the state’s fourth victim.

Officers from Richmond Police District have attended and established a crime scene.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner on the deaths.

A number of people are still unaccounted for.

Originally published as Death toll climbs in NSW floods as tributes flow for victims