On Friday morning, the water began to recede somewhat – but a massive rescue and cleanup effort is still underway.
About 50,000 people have been isolated after several days of intense rain. Landslides and damaged roads and bridges are hindering the rescue effort, says Steve Allen, mayor of Bellingen Shire Council, to ABC.
Furthermore, many homes and other buildings are still partially filled with stagnant, murky water. This poses a risk of venomous snakes that may have sought shelter from the storm.
Floodwater contains pollutants. There may be pests, snakes. You have to assess the risks. Electricity can also be a hazard, says Dallas Burnes, head of the state's rescue service.
The Australian government has declared the event a natural disaster, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the floods are "devastating".
There has been enormous damage to infrastructure, we will all need to pitch in, he says on local radio.
