Severe storms wreak further havoc as SES heroes respond again

THE region has again been battered by wild weather, with emergency services mounting a second major response in just over two months.

On Saturday 2 August, severe storms lashed the Mid North Coast, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds to the Port Macquarie Hastings, Kempsey and Nambucca regions.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) received around 700 calls for assistance, prompting another large-scale response involving SES crews, emergency service partners, local councils and Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs).

This latest storm follows a significant flood event in May that triggered 8,895 calls for help, 806 flood rescues, and 1,209 community warnings across the state.

Between 19 May and 1 June, 277 flood warnings were issued, and more than 12,000 damage assessments completed.

Of those, at least 3,137 properties were damaged, 2,472 inundated, and 1,238 deemed uninhabitable.

NSW SES Mid North Coast Deputy Zone Commander Tony Day acknowledged the strain placed on emergency services across multiple weather events.

“The capability and effectiveness of the Emergency Management arrangements on the Mid North Coast have been tested over recent months,” he said.

“It is a credit to all the emergency service first responders and members of the Local Emergency Management Committees to be able to effectively manage operations of this size and scale over a sustained period.

“I personally thank them, their families who support them and their employers.”

Mr Day urged the community to recognise the role of volunteers and emergency personnel and encouraged residents to reach out and thank the first responders who continue to serve during these challenging times.

“Communities across the Mid North Coast should have confidence that those arrangements are well planned, well supported and well tested in saving lives and protecting communities.”

By Sis HIGGINS