NSW and Queensland flood victims warned crisis is not yet over

Flood-ravaged communities in NSW and southeast Queensland have been urged not to let their guard down, with heavy rain forecast.

Flood-ravaged communities in NSW and southeast Queensland have been urged not to let their guard down as emergency services warn that heavy rain forecast for the weekend could lead to dangerous flooding in already heavily waterlogged areas in both states.

The damage bill for the floods is expected to top $2bn, with more than 60,000 flood-related insurance claims already lodged, making it one of Australia’s most expensive natural disasters.

As the “mud army” returns to clean up some the worst-hit areas, others are struggling without any outside assistance.

Communities around Mullumbimby in northern NSW were still waiting for help on Friday after landslides destroyed houses and cut off roads. The body of a man in his 40s was found near Terragon, northwest of the town.

Residents described “a war zone” in the hinterland with people trapped without food, water or power. Mobile phone reception was still limited or unavailable in some areas.

Many flood-affected communities were unable to use regular cashless pay systems to buy essential goods and services, prompting ATM and cash transport companies to organise emergency cash drop-offs.

Cody Holmes whose house is completely flooded at West Ballina in Northern NSW. Picture: Danielle Smith

Residents took to social media to express their anger at the lack of government assistance.

Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliott appealed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to send in the army.

“Make no mistake, this is a ­humanitarian crisis,” she said in a video message. “We desperately need the army here right now.

NSW Police on Friday said more than 100 officers had been deployed to northern NSW to help with clean-up efforts across Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina and surrounding areas.

“Tens of millions” of dollars in disaster payments have been made to flood victims, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said, with more than 145,000 applications lodged for the $1000 lump sum.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced $424.7m in joint funding from the state and federal governments.

This includes demand-driven grants for producers, small business and not-for-profits, as well as clean-up allowances, money for councils and funds for community support officers.

A man cleans up outside a business in Milton, Queensland. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The Bureau of Meteorology said a low off the NSW coast had weakened, but flood waters were still high, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms likely over the northeast parts of the state.

A cold front has been forecast to move across the state, starting from the southern coast regions and moving up towards northern NSW, bringing heavy showers.

“That cold front will become a slow-moving trough by Sunday, with broad rainfall with a risk of flash flooding at times,” bureau meteorologist Hugh McDonell said.

“For Sydney, that rain is expected to spread from Saturday, but Sunday is when we really ­expect rain from that trough to settle in. It’s possible we’ll see flooding warnings, it’s possible we’ll see flash flooding.”

SES spokesman Greg Nash said the risk of flash flooding across the state’s coastal regions meant that many flood warnings would remain in place.

“The Hawkesbury-Nepean is currently receding but what the incoming rain could mean is it could cause those levels to re-steady or lead to potential minor rises,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology said widespread renewed river level rises were no longer expected in southeast Queensland but more showers and thunderstorms were possible over the weekend.

The state’s death toll rose to 10 after the body of a man, 53, was found under a wharf at the Port of Brisbane on Friday morning.

Additional reporting: Chloe Whelan,
Amaani Siddeek