Between May 20 and May 25, a stationary low-pressure system brought unprecedented rainfall to parts of New South Wales. Pictured: Rainbow Beach before flooding. Picture: Nearmap

It was characterised as a “once-in-500-years” flood, with water levels rising above six metres in some areas. Pictured: Rainbow Beach after. Picture: Nearmap

The estimated economic loss reached $2.2 billion, prompting the Australian government to pledge $200 million toward strengthening community resilience. Oxley Island before. Picture: Nearmap

The natural disaster caused five confirmed fatalities and left more than 50,000 people isolated. Pictured: Oxley Island after. Picture: Nearmap

Insane visuals from Nearmap have documented the stark magnitude of the damage. Pictured: Woodberry before. Picture: Nearmap

The images show entire properties and farmlands underwater, with more than 1,200 homes made uninhabitable. Pictured: Woodberry after. Picture: Nearmap

Emergency services have carried out more than 5,300 damage assessments. Pictured: Woodberry before. Picture: Nearmap

Woodberry after the flood. Approximately 84 per cent of its area is rural. Picture: Nearmap

These aerial photographs of Jerseyville highlight the dramatic extent of the transformation on the ground. Picture: Nearmap

Jerseyville after floodwaters surged. The village consists of only a handful of streets and is considered a satellite suburb of South West Rocks, a well-known fishing village. Picture: Nearmap

Similarly, Kinchela residents were issued urgent warnings, with over 150 alerts. Picture: Nearmap

Kinchela after. The village, located 20km southwest of Kempsey, holds historical significance due to the establishment of the Kinchela Boys Home in 1924 by the Aboriginal Protection Board. Picture: Nearmap

Kinchela before. The village has a population of 286. Picture: Nearmap

Cows clung to the last patch of high ground as floodwaters swallowed a paddock in Kinchela. Picture: Nearmap

The repair bill for Gladstone is expected to reach $70 million. Picture: Nearmap

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) issued an “Evacuate Now” warning after Gladstone was drenched in 100mm of rain over one weekend. Picture: Nearmap

This led to the closure of Fitzgerald Bridge. This significant infrastructure replaced a ferry service that had previously operated between Raymond Terrace and Nelson Plains. Picture: Nearmap

The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the Hunter River at Raymond Terrace was at 2.81 metres, well above the minor flood level of 2.50. Picture: Nearmap

Heatherbrae’s humble meat pies stood no chance against these quickly rising waters. Picture: Nearmap

A 20-kilometer stretch of the Pacific Highway between Coopernook and South Taree was closed, stranding motorists for extended periods. Picture: Nearmap

A Jones Island property completely submerged. Situated near the Manning River, the tiny island lies approximately 56 km south of Port Macquarie. Picture: Nearmap

Dumaresq Island residents have been urged to “return with caution” due to widespread damage. Picture: Nearmap

A central road in Bulahdelah flooded, making the town impassable. Picture: Nearmap

Bulahdelah serves as the western gateway to the Myall Lakes, attracting visitors for boating and outdoor adventures in the nearby national parks. Pictured: Nearmap

Farmers in Ghinni Ghinni reported that floodwaters had “trashed” their properties. Picture: Nearmap

Cattle were said to be stranded without food for several days. Pictured: Ghinni Ghinni. Picture: Nearmap

Glenthorne also faced extensive flooding as waters from local creeks and the nearby Manning River rose far beyond their usual levels. Picture: Nearmap

While East Seaham, located near flood-prone areas that feed into the Hunter River system, saw record-high insurance claims. Picture: Nearmap

But it was Taree and surrounding communities that bore the brunt of the flooding. Picture: Nearmap

Emergency workers performed over 765 local rescues. Picture: Nearmap

Including many trapped on rooftops after attempting to escape. Picture: AFP

A young boy being carried to safety. Picture: NSW Police

Taree has a long history of flooding events due to its location along the Manning River. Picture: NSW Police

The town faced significant floods in 1929, 1978, and 2021, with the 1929 flood reaching a water level of 6.1 metres – a record that was exceeded during the May 2025 floods. Picture: Facebook

In Taree, over 400 millimetres of rain fell within two days. Picture: Facebook

Veteran volunteers were deployed to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts. Picture: NewsWire/Scott Calvin

Houses partly submerged in Taree. Picture: AFP

Floods near Milperra Bridge due to rising water levels in Georges River. Picture: NSW SES Canterbury

Floods in Canterbury due to rising water levels in Georges River. Picture: NSW SES Canterbury

Mid North Coast Floods. Picture: NewsWire/ Transport NSW

While the general threat was forecast, the severity and scale exceeded expectations in some areas. Picture: Supplied

The body of a man, believed to be in his 70s, was found inside a vehicle that had run off Orara Way in Nana Glen – about 30km northwest of Coffs Harbour. He was just one of the five victims reported. Picture: Supplied