Vigilance is key: Preparing for and managing October flooding events

Parts of NSW were pounded by up to 200 millimetres of rain on the week ending 11 October, causing a raft of flooding, the third such event of the year. The NSW government has announced that disaster relief payments are available for victims in 27 local government areas affected by the flooding — which began on 14 September.

A flood update provided by the State Emergency Services (SES) announced that since 6pm on Friday, 7 October, they have responded to over 1,000 calls for assistance, with that number expanding to 3,874 since the middle of last month.

The body implored all NSW residents to be cautious in the coming weeks, outlining: “There is a current severe weather warning for damaging winds on the east coast fringe including parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast, Illawarra, and Sydney Metropolitan. With the grounds already saturated, flash flooding is a major concern in these coastal conditions.” 

The SES also advised people to keep clear of creeks, low-lying rivers, and storm drains, never enter flood water and stay vigilant and monitor conditions. 

NSW SES assistant commissioner Sean Kearns reinforced that clear skies do not mean the storm has been weathered just yet.

“The next few days may be deceiving for NSW communities as we see some fine weather emerge across the state,” he said.

Mr Kearns warned that “the water that has fallen over the last month is still travelling through our river systems, and as the water travels downstream, we have an increased risk of flooding in those areas”.

Additionally, the NSW government has urged those impacted to begin the damage reporting process, especially with severe weather conditions expected to continue across the coming weeks.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders detailed that such weather events are proving to be “a real challenge at a critical time for our $21 billion primary industries sector”. 

“That’s why it is important for landholders across the state to report any flood damage to their properties, including land, infrastructure, and animals,” Mr Saunders said. 

As part of a toolkit released by the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) earlier this week, the body reminded citizens to prepare an evacuation plan that includes:

• An emergency kit with important documents, medications, and items that you might need
• Find the safest route to travel in the event evacuation is needed
• Find the closest evacuation centre to you
• Contact neighbours, friends and family and assist in moving vulnerable people away from danger
• Never ride, drive, or walk through floodwater

Additionally, the 17-page document, which can be found on the institute’s website, offers advice and information on a range of assistance options, including financial and mental health assistance, as well as guidance on managing the recovery period. 

The toolkit also provides advice to agents and property managers on managing damages from flooding, as well as the legal responsibilities of landlords around flooding and the aftermath of its damages. 

NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke concluded that, even with recovery support available to residents in the north-west and central west of NSW, the government would continue to conduct a full financial assessment of the event. 

“We know that with these types of floods, it can take some time to understand and calculate the impacts of an event like this, particularly when some LGAs still have flooding throughout their regions due to river system flooding,” Ms Cooke said.

“We are continuing to assess the impacts of this event to ensure that appropriate support is available.”

More information can be found on both the SES and NSW government websites. Alternatively, you can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.