Fire and Rescue NSW crews moving house to house through waist-deep water to account for flood victims - mid-north Coast
Published: 22 May 2025 06:13pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) In-water experts, in conjunction with the SES and other emergency services, are continuing rescue efforts on the state's mid-north coast, moving house to house through waist-deep floodwaters to account for stranded residents.
FRNSW crews are on the ground in the Taree, Forster and Port Macquarie areas, supporting the SES-led emergency response, which has performed hundreds of flood rescues since the start of the operation.
During one of the many rescue efforts in the past 48 hours, one FRNSW In-water team rescued a family and their five dogs after their caravan became trapped in floodwaters at Glenthorne.
After transporting them more than 500-metres to safety by boat, locals assisted by ferrying them further by car for medical assessment.
FRNSW footage from the flood zone also shows crews conducting searches of a home at Old Bar inundated with water last night.
Crews can be heard calling for anyone present, while furniture, kitchen utensils and personal items float in the waist-deep waters.
Strike Teams of metropolitan-based firefighters are being assisted by specially trained on-call and regional crews, many of them living in, or close to, the towns they are supporting.
MEDIA NOTE - Footage is available here: https://vimeo.com/1086617917/0aa36c33f4?share=copy [external link]
SAFETY INFORMATION
- Visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/severe-weather-update for the latest warnings and information.
- The NSW SES is advising people to download the Hazards Near Me App which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.
- In life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
- Floods move quickly and so should you. People should not drive, walk or play in floodwaters.
Updated: 22 May 2025 04:18pm
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]