With an estimated 50,000 people warned to prepare for isolation across New South Wales’ Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, experts are reminding residents that entering floodwaters often poses the most significant risk to life.
Natural Hazards Research Australia CEO, Andrew Gissing states the critical importance of not entering floodwaters, as NSW Emergency Services continue to carry out rescues, following 339 flood rescues in the last 24 hours.
“Research shows that 84% of motorists ignore road closure signs. It also shows us that children and young adults under 29 years old – especially men - make up the greatest proportion of floodwater-related fatalities,” Andrew said.
“Four-wheel drives may provide a false sense of security when attempting to cross floodwater, but research shows that 75% of all floodwater-related fatalities in the past 15 years are associated with these vehicles.”
The research, carried out after the devastating 2022 northern NSW and southern Queensland floods also showed residents are most at risk close to home.
“Nearly two thirds of floodwater-related fatalities occurred within 20km of peoples’ homes. This is people going about their daily business,” Andrew said.
“The Manning River is flooding at a level never seen before at Taree, surpassing the 1929 record level of six metres and I am asking residents to not take the risk of entering floodwater.
“You never know what is under the surface. Floodwater can easily wash away the surface of the road and in seconds your life is in danger as you’re off the road, into the current and your vehicle is sinking.
"The average frequency of the Manning River reaching peak flood level at Taree is once every 500 years. Though it is too early to know the extent that climate change has contributed to these extreme rainfalls, we do know that a warmer climate means the atmosphere holds more water, making heavy rain more likely.
“This flooding once again highlights the importance of investment in flood mitigation to reduce the impact on properties, as well as risk-based urban planning policies to avoid future development in areas at high risk of flooding.”
More research findings into floodwater safety can be found at www.naturalhazards.com.au.