As floodwaters in New South Wales (NSW) start to recede, the region faces tragic repercussions: four fatalities and one person still unaccounted for, while over 50,000 residents remain isolated. The situation remains dire with more than 160 active flood warnings, 39 classified as emergencies. Emergency services have conducted 736 rescues.
Among the deceased is 58-year-old Pauline Fitzsimons, who died on Wednesday after her vehicle was swept away near Dorrigo while she was allegedly travelling in a convoy with a police officer. The officer reportedly turned back, believing the water levels were manageable; Fitzsimons chose to proceed. A frantic call for help came just thirty minutes later, but her body was found subsequently. Her family has publicly challenged the police narrative, asserting that her actions were not reckless and expressing their anguish over her tragic death.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, present in the affected area, expressed condolences to Fitzsimons’ family but refrained from commenting on the incident’s specifics.
While Taree residents began the arduous task of cleaning up after experiencing significant damage, the Kempsey region remains submerged. The Insurance Council of Australia reported over 1,600 claims related to these floods in recent days. Drier weather is forecasted for the weekend, raising some hope for those impacted. However, rainfall has been intense, particularly around Sydney, where Warragamba Dam has reached near capacity.
In response to the disaster, both the NSW state and federal governments are rolling out hardship grants. Premier Chris Minns indicated that individual grants of $180 and family grants of $900 would soon be available, along with substantial community recovery funding for local councils.
The emerging recovery effort underscores both the immediate need for support and the long road ahead for rebuilding affected communities across NSW.