Floods evac 100, isolate 5000

WEATHER is easing on the Coffs Coast after torrential rain caused almost 40 flood rescues, isolated thousands, and forced the evacuation of dozens of homes in Coffs Harbour.

A spokesperson for the SES said the group has coordinated 39 flood rescues in Coffs Harbour, Urunga and Grafton, and received 378 requests for assistance relating to rescue, evacuation, sandbagging, leaking rooves and damage caused by fallen trees and branches.

On Saturday morning about 12.30am, the SES doorknocked some 40 properties in five streets in Coffs Harbour, with homes evacuated in Goodenough Terrace, Robin Street, Gundagai Place, Gundagai Street and Loaders Lane.

An evacuation centre was established at the Coffs Ex-Services Club.

The SES continues to monitor the welfare of 4,800 people who remain isolated, including 500 people at Darwood on the upper Bellinger River and 500 residents on the upper Kalang River.

The town of Bowraville, which has a population of 900, has been isolated due to moderate flooding.

At Urunga eight low set vans at a caravan park have been relocated to high ground.

The heaviest falls in the 48 hours to 6.30am Saturday were 528mm at Perry Drive in Coffs Harbour and 351mm at Crystal Creek in Bellingen.

Water levels at Coffs Creek peaked at 4.43m at 9pm Friday, with floodwaters flucuating since them with variations in rainfall.

Floodwaters are falling on the Bellinger River after peaking at 7.2m at Bellingen at midnight Friday.

The town of Bellingen remained isolated, with Waterfall Way between Armidale and the Pacific Highway at Raliegh closed, while Lavenders Bridge is closed.

Moderate flooding is occuring on the Orara River, with Bluff Bridge closed by floodwaters, and moderate flooding is occuring.

Do you have photos of the flooding?  Email them to editorial@finda.com.au.

Read more...

Coffs Coast disaster declared
Mayor's heart goes out to victims
Emergency centre flooded with 97
Disaster declaration expected
Rain band heading south
Coffs Harbour hit with 505mm of rain
Two floods in six months forces family out