Severe flooding across northern New South Wales has prompted ongoing emergency warnings and evacuations, as weather conditions continue to impact insured assets in the Mid North Coast region.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued evacuation orders for areas surrounding the Manning River, where floodwaters have reached moderate levels at Taree and Wingham.
Forecasts indicate that up to 200mm of rain may fall in isolated areas, placing significant pressure on catchments already experiencing saturation. The Williams River, which previously peaked at a major flood stage, is receding; however, further rainfall could reverse that trend.
NSW SES assistant commissioner Dean Storey urged residents in flood-prone zones to act early if instructed.
“We ask those in the high-risk areas not to wait until it’s too late – know what you will do if you do need to leave, and follow the advice of emergency services,” he said.
Flash flooding in Taree overnight resulted in 160mm of rain falling within six hours. SES teams have already conducted multiple rescues, many involving vehicles entering floodwaters.
“We’re glad these people have all been brought to safety, but these incidents act as a timely reminder never to drive, walk, or play in floodwaters. If it’s flooded, forget it,” Storey said.
Authorities have activated evacuation centres in Dungog, Gloucester, Taree, Manning Point, and Wingham. Additional personnel and resources, including aviation and flood rescue assets, have been positioned to support the response.
As of May 20, SES reported 2,758 incidents related to the current flooding, including 58 rescues.
The Northern Zone accounted for the majority of callouts (1,033), suggesting concentrated exposure in specific local government areas.
In the last 24 hours alone, 1,071 incidents and 41 rescues were logged.
For insurance professionals, these figures provide an early indication of where claims volume could spike, particularly in residential and small business segments.
The flooding follows two major weather systems earlier this year that have already driven a combined $1.5 billion in insured losses.
Data from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) showed ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred as the costliest, generating over 116,000 claims with estimated losses of $1.236 billion.
That surpasses the February North Queensland floods, which produced nearly 11,000 claims and $250 million in insured losses.
Alfred-related claims have primarily come from residential policyholders, although motor and commercial property lines are also affected.
The average claim from Alfred is around $10,000, while the average North Queensland flood claim sits closer to $23,000.
To date, about 37% of Alfred-related claims have been resolved, with insurers disbursing $146 million in payments.
ICA CEO Andrew Hall said direct engagement with policyholders remains a key part of the industry’s response strategy.
“Rising claims numbers and closure rates are a sure sign that recovery in extreme weather impacted communities is progressing well,” he said.
Parallel to claims handling, a structural assessment led by James Cook University and Natural Hazards Research Australia has identified vulnerabilities in buildings exposed to Alfred’s winds.
Despite weakening before landfall, gusts near 100 km/h exposed weaknesses in waterproofing, seal integrity, and balcony construction.
The research team issued recommendations aimed at enhancing storm resilience, including improved window design, emergency power reliability in multi-storey buildings, and better site management to prevent loose debris.
