Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) flood specialists have battled difficult conditions to assist in a number of rescues across the Mid North Coast over the past few days.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Monday crews assisted in a medical rescue in Kempsey where an elderly lady suffered a broken hip.
She was treated by emergency services personnel and transferred by NSW SES boats back to Kempsey where she was helped from the raft by FRNSW crews and handed to NSW Ambulance
A second local rescue turned into an overnight stay for crews when FRNSW and RFS firefighters became stranded in Wittitrin, west of Kempsey, after rescuing an elderly couple from their property.
The crews were cut off from returning to Kempsey and spent the night in a local hall where residents provided them with food and supplies.
Further south in Sancrox near Port Macquarie, a crew were surprised by snakes jumping on to the raft as they wadded through the dark to rescue the family of six with children aged two, four, six, and eight from their house.
In Coopernock, just 24km north of Taree, FRNSW rescued a mother and her four children after the vehicle they were traveling in became submerged in rising floodwaters.
The crew worked tirelessly to assist the family before transporting them to the local evacuation centre.
Video: Fire and Rescue NSW
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the work carried out firefighters is difficult and demanding, and commended all of those involved in the ongoing work.
"FRNSW has continued to provide support to the NSW SES throughout this extreme weather event, and our firefighters are working in difficult conditions to keep communities safe," he said.
"Our in water and land-based rescue units have worked around the clock to help these communities in their time of greatest need and will continue to do so for as long as is required."
Multiple storm and flood warnings are active across the East Coast of NSW and are expected to remain in place for the next 24 hours. For the latest warnings and evacuation orders, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you have experienced damage from storms, wind, hail or a fallen tree and if a tree branch is threatening your property or a person's safety.
A Public Information Inquiry Centre is now open to take calls from the public about the floodaffected areas in NSW. The number is 1800 227 228.
For all life-threatening emergencies, residents in the area are reminded call Triple Zero (000) in the first instance.
Stay up to date with the latest on the situation locally here.
More flood coverage: