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NSW flood: Images from on the ground as extreme weather event unfolds

Communities devastated by floods now face ongoing risks despite clear skies, as water continues to flow through catchments as the volunteer clean-up effort continues. See the latest images from the Mid North Coast.

less than 2 min read
May 25, 2025 - 7:31AM

Communities torn apart by relentless flooding on the Mid North Coast have finally been given a reprieve from the deluge of rain with clear weather and sunny skies.

But the real challenge has just begun, with large volumes of water still flowing through catchments and putting communities at risk and the bulk of the clean-up effort from the devastation is still to come.

On Staurday night, the M1 Pacific Motorway reopened at flood-ravaged Taree after being split in half by floodwaters for much of the week.

Here is a look at what is happening on the ground:

Residents begin heartbreaking clean-up

Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree on May 23, 2025. Record floods cut a destructive path through eastern Australia on May 23, caking houses in silt, washing out roads and separating 50,000 people from help. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree on May 23, 2025. Record floods cut a destructive path through eastern Australia on May 23, caking houses in silt, washing out roads and separating 50,000 people from help. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
The scale of destruction is clear as volunteers remove flood-damaged goods from stores in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Taree local Elise Gucul helps clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree local Elise Gucul helps clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree on May 23, 2025. Record floods cut a destructive path through eastern Australia on May 23, caking houses in silt, washing out roads and separating 50,000 people from help. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their shops along the banks of the Manning River in Taree on May 23, 2025. Record floods cut a destructive path through eastern Australia on May 23, caking houses in silt, washing out roads and separating 50,000 people from help. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree locals band together to help clean the mess left behind from the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their houses along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Volunteers help out locals to clear flood-damaged goods from their houses along the banks of the Manning River in Taree. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP
Pictured Reg Harris,81, and Usher Harris,68, who have lost everything twice in four years due to floods. Today they are unable to reach their home on East Combined Street, Wingham due to the floods. Picture supplied to The Daily Telegraph
Pictured Reg Harris,81, and Usher Harris,68, who have lost everything twice in four years due to floods. Today they are unable to reach their home on East Combined Street, Wingham due to the floods. Picture supplied to The Daily Telegraph
Corey Saunders with kids Tahlia and Brianna at the Taree home that has been effected by the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Corey Saunders with kids Tahlia and Brianna at the Taree home that has been effected by the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Saunders family throwing out the items that have been effected by the floods in Taree floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Saunders family throwing out the items that have been effected by the floods in Taree floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
The Daily Telegraph Friday 23 May 2025 Floods Removed damaged items from a home in Taree that has been completely flooded .Picture Thomas Lisson
The Daily Telegraph Friday 23 May 2025 Floods Removed damaged items from a home in Taree that has been completely flooded .Picture Thomas Lisson
Brianna Saunders in her kitchen that has been completely flooded in the Taree floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Brianna Saunders in her kitchen that has been completely flooded in the Taree floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Corey Saunders home in Taree has been completely flooded ruining all belongings. Picture Thomas Lisson
Corey Saunders home in Taree has been completely flooded ruining all belongings. Picture Thomas Lisson
Residents move water damaged belongings out of their property. Picture Thomas Lisson
Residents move water damaged belongings out of their property. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree Thai massage has been completely ruined by the floods with workers having to swim to saftey. Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree Thai massage has been completely ruined by the floods with workers having to swim to saftey. Picture Thomas Lisson

Residents move water damaged belongings out of their property. Picture Thomas Lisson
Residents move water damaged belongings out of their property. Picture Thomas Lisson

Taree

Christy Hamilton’s home in Taree has been completely flooded, ruining all her belongings.Picture Thomas Lisson
Christy Hamilton’s home in Taree has been completely flooded, ruining all her belongings.Picture Thomas Lisson
Managing director of Taree Thai massage Alex Cosway has had his store completely ruined by the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Managing director of Taree Thai massage Alex Cosway has had his store completely ruined by the floods. Picture Thomas Lisson
Fire Brigade officials as floodwaters recede from the main road in Taree. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP
Fire Brigade officials as floodwaters recede from the main road in Taree. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Taree Manning River Bowling club is half under water from the floods.Picture Thomas Lisson
Taree Manning River Bowling club is half under water from the floods.Picture Thomas Lisson
Christy Hamilton’s home in Taree has been completely flooded ruining all her belongings.Picture Thomas Lisson
Christy Hamilton’s home in Taree has been completely flooded ruining all her belongings.Picture Thomas Lisson
The Daily Telegraph Friday 23 May 2025 Floods Taree Thai massage has been completely ruined by the floods with workers having to swim to saftey.Picture Thomas Lisson
The Daily Telegraph Friday 23 May 2025 Floods Taree Thai massage has been completely ruined by the floods with workers having to swim to saftey.Picture Thomas Lisson
Fire Brigade officials clear silt as floodwaters recede from the main road in Taree on May 23, 2025. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP
Fire Brigade officials clear silt as floodwaters recede from the main road in Taree on May 23, 2025. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP
Supplied image from the SES. Pic: SES NSW
Supplied image from the SES. Pic: SES NSW

Stills of NSW Police flood rescue in Taree. Picture: NSW Police
Stills of NSW Police flood rescue in Taree. Picture: NSW Police
Stills of NSW Police flood rescue in Taree. Picture: NSW Police
Stills of NSW Police flood rescue in Taree. Picture: NSW Police
Stills of NSW Police flood rescue in Taree. Picture: NSW Police
Stills of NSW Police flood rescue in Taree. Picture: NSW Police
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
The floods have closed the roads into around Taree neighbours are using boats to cross roads and bring supplies to people trapped by the flood waters.Picture Thomas Lisson
Pol Air vision of a rescue in Taree today as flood waters rose across the mid-north coast region of NSW. Picture: Supplied.
Pol Air vision of a rescue in Taree today as flood waters rose across the mid-north coast region of NSW. Picture: Supplied.
Pol Air vision of a rescue in Taree today as flood waters rose across the mid-north coast region of NSW. Picture: Supplied.
Pol Air vision of a rescue in Taree today as flood waters rose across the mid-north coast region of NSW. Picture: Supplied.
Paul and Elizabeth Brennan and dog Trixie have been saved by helicopter from flood waters at their Taree home. Picture Thomas Lisson
Paul and Elizabeth Brennan and dog Trixie have been saved by helicopter from flood waters at their Taree home. Picture Thomas Lisson
Paul and Elizabeth Brennan and dog Trixie have been saved by helicopter from flood waters at their Taree home. Picture Thomas Lisson
Paul and Elizabeth Brennan and dog Trixie have been saved by helicopter from flood waters at their Taree home. Picture Thomas Lisson
A dance school in the Taree CBD flooded. Picture: Facebook/ Mychelle Smith.
A dance school in the Taree CBD flooded. Picture: Facebook/ Mychelle Smith.
The NSW Police Force, including PolAir and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, are assisting emergency services as heavy rain continues across the Mid North Coast. NSW Police force Facebook
The NSW Police Force, including PolAir and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, are assisting emergency services as heavy rain continues across the Mid North Coast. NSW Police force Facebook
Floods Volunteers Rachel Jones and Carlos Quinteros from VRA rescue have been working all night rescuing residents from their flooded homes in Taree .Picture Thomas Lisson
Floods Volunteers Rachel Jones and Carlos Quinteros from VRA rescue have been working all night rescuing residents from their flooded homes in Taree .Picture Thomas Lisson
The NSW Police Force, including PolAir and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, are assisting emergency services as heavy rain continues across the Mid North Coast. NSW Police force Facebook
The NSW Police Force, including PolAir and the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, are assisting emergency services as heavy rain continues across the Mid North Coast. NSW Police force Facebook
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region, cutting off communities with NSW SES crews winching people to safety from rooftops and surging rivers. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region, cutting off communities with NSW SES crews winching people to safety from rooftops and surging rivers. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Craig and Aaron Balaam cleaning up in Taree West. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Craig and Aaron Balaam cleaning up in Taree West. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region, cutting off communities with NSW SES crews winching people to safety from rooftops and surging rivers. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region, cutting off communities with NSW SES crews winching people to safety from rooftops and surging rivers. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Most of Taree Estate is covered in water. Picture: Facebook
Most of Taree Estate is covered in water. Picture: Facebook
Fitzgerald bridge at Raymond Terrace. Credit: Facebook/Andrew Smee
Fitzgerald bridge at Raymond Terrace. Credit: Facebook/Andrew Smee
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region.Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region.Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Further north the riverside town of Macksville in the Nambucca Valley is being hit by flooding. Picture: Facebook/ Ruth Flarrety.
Further north the riverside town of Macksville in the Nambucca Valley is being hit by flooding. Picture: Facebook/ Ruth Flarrety.
: Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
: Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
Floodwaters are seen in and around Taree on the mid-north coast of NSW as torrential rain inundates the region. Picture: NewsWire / Scott Calvin
SES volunteers in the mid-north coast town of Taree where flood waters have cut off thousands of people and one man has died. Picture: SES
SES volunteers in the mid-north coast town of Taree where flood waters have cut off thousands of people and one man has died. Picture: SES

Port Macquarie

A dad pushes his son through floodwaters in Port Macquarie, holding his baby in the other hand. Picture: Facebook/Adam Dederer
A dad pushes his son through floodwaters in Port Macquarie, holding his baby in the other hand. Picture: Facebook/Adam Dederer
Flooding is seen in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Thursday, May 22, 2025.Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Thursday, May 22, 2025.Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Thursday, May 22, 2025. Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Thursday, May 22, 2025. Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen around Settlement Point Road in Port Macquarie. Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen around Settlement Point Road in Port Macquarie. Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen around Short Street in Port Macquarie. Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
Flooding is seen around Short Street in Port Macquarie. Picture: AAP Image/Lindsay Moller
A Mid North Coast farmer, Stuart Redman, has been forced to herd cattle by kayak and watch his 89 year old grandfather's cabin wash away, as devastating floods return to the region for the second time in four years. Picture: Supplied
A Mid North Coast farmer, Stuart Redman, has been forced to herd cattle by kayak and watch his 89 year old grandfather's cabin wash away, as devastating floods return to the region for the second time in four years. Picture: Supplied

Wauchope

Aerial view of Port Lane (Oxley Highway) looking towards the direction of Port Macquarie. Picture: Facebook/Ben Jose
Aerial view of Port Lane (Oxley Highway) looking towards the direction of Port Macquarie. Picture: Facebook/Ben Jose
Flooding picture near the town of Wauchope on the Mid North Coast. Picture: Facebook/Eric Busch
Flooding picture near the town of Wauchope on the Mid North Coast. Picture: Facebook/Eric Busch
Aerial view of Port Lane (Oxley Highway) looking towards Wauchope Picture Facebook/Ben Jose
Aerial view of Port Lane (Oxley Highway) looking towards Wauchope Picture Facebook/Ben Jose
Flooding picture near the town of Wauchope on the Mid North Coast. Picture: Facebook/Ben Jose
Flooding picture near the town of Wauchope on the Mid North Coast. Picture: Facebook/Ben Jose
Aerial view of Kings Creek which sits outside Wauchope on the way to Port Macquarie. Picture: Facebook/Ben Jose
Aerial view of Kings Creek which sits outside Wauchope on the way to Port Macquarie. Picture: Facebook/Ben Jose

Parramatta

Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Flood water is seen flowing through Parramatta Wharf in Sydney on May 23, 2025. Picture: Ayush Kumar / AFP
Video grab of flash flood in Parramatta, Sydney
Video grab of flash flood in Parramatta, Sydney
Video grab of flash flood in Parramatta, Sydney
Video grab of flash flood in Parramatta, Sydney
Video grab of flash flood in Parramatta, Sydney
Video grab of flash flood in Parramatta, Sydney

Cattai

The wild weather is set continue across NSW's Mid North Coast, which has claimed three lives and put thousands of homes at risk.
The wild weather is set continue across NSW's Mid North Coast, which has claimed three lives and put thousands of homes at risk.

Linfield

Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Wet weather in Sydney on Friday morning after more heavy rain overnight. Drivers navigate flooded roads on Lady Game Drive in Lindfield. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Premier Chris Minns provides an update

NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media from the RFS HeadQuarters in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media from the RFS HeadQuarters in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media from the RFS HeadQuarters in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media from the RFS HeadQuarters in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media from the RFS HeadQuarters in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
NSW Premier Chris Minns addresses the media from the RFS HeadQuarters in Sydney. Picture: Christian Gilles / NewsWire
PolAir has completed 22 rescues from flood-affected homes and roads on the Mid North Coast as emergency services continue to respond to calls for help. Picture: Supplied
PolAir has completed 22 rescues from flood-affected homes and roads on the Mid North Coast as emergency services continue to respond to calls for help. Picture: Supplied
PolAir has completed 22 rescues from flood-affected homes and roads on the Mid North Coast as emergency services continue to respond to calls for help. Picture: Supplied
PolAir has completed 22 rescues from flood-affected homes and roads on the Mid North Coast as emergency services continue to respond to calls for help. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as NSW flood: Images from on the ground as extreme weather event unfolds

Read related topics:Weather

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/nsw-floods-gallery-images-from-on-the-ground-as-extreme-weather-event-unfolds/news-story/29f60a38e71a0495911f05e78f9002fc