The devastating flood emergency across new South Wales has reportedly damaged over 10,000 homes. While the crisis is transitioning into a cleanup and recovery phase, emergency crews are cautioning that the situation remains hazardous despite some improvements.

The Insurance Council of Australia has stated it has received 1,600 insurance claims and anticipates thousands more in the coming days as residents return too their properties to evaluate the damage.

CEO Andrew Hall told the ABC, “We’ve had up to 50,000 people evacuated over the past few days. As the water recedes, people are discovering the extent of the damage. I urge people to lodge claims as soon as they can and if you’ve forgotten who your insurer is,check your banking app for clues.”

The NSW State emergency Service (SES) has announced that crews are shifting their focus to damage assessments and cleanup operations. However, they emphasize that conditions remain unstable in several communities.

SES Chief superintendent Paul McQueen stated, “This is still a dangerous situation. We’re seeing conditions improve in some areas, but we cannot let people return to their homes until floodwaters have receded further and we’re confident it’s safe.”

More than 31 emergency flood warnings are still active across the state, particularly affecting the Mid North Coast, Hunter and Central West regions. Towns including Taree, Kempsey, and surrounding areas have experienced some of the worst flooding in nearly a century, with the Manning River at Taree reaching levels not seen as 1929.

To date, five people have died in flood-related incidents. On Friday, the body of a man believed to be in his 80s was discovered inside a burnt-out vehicle in the shed of a Cooplacurripa property, approximately 50km north-west of Taree.

Major transport routes, such as the Pacific Highway, remain closed in sections due to flooding and landslides. More than 5,000 homes are without power, and public transport across Sydney and surrounding regions has been affected, with delays and cancellations reported.

Emergency services have conducted over 760 flood rescues since the beginning of the deluge, with more than 7,000 calls for assistance recorded.

Prime Minister anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have both visited the affected regions, pledging federal and state support for recovery efforts. Disaster assistance has been activated for 19 local government areas, including financial aid for individuals and businesses.

Authorities are continuing to urge people not to drive through floodwaters.

Superintendent McQueen added, “This recovery will take time. But our crews are on the ground, and help is on the way.”

“This is still a dangerous situation… we cannot let people return to their homes until floodwaters have receded further and we’re confident it’s safe.”

Understanding Flood Risks and Emergency Response