NSW: Some mid-north coast residents could be isolated all week
05 Apr 2009 11:36 AM
SYDNEY, April 5 AAP - Residents in some parts of the NSW mid-north drenched by flooding rains could remain isolated until the end of the week.
More than 1,000 residents remain cut off after freak rainfalls on Tuesday devastated the area, with Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Clarence Valley and Nambucca declared natural disaster zones.
A State Emergency Service spokesman (SES) said the majority of the 1,000 residents affected would have their access restored within the next 24 to 48 hours.
However, a small number would be stranded for some time yet, he said.
"There are a couple of people way, way out in the valleys there who may be out for most of this week.
"It's only a small number, but we're doing a helicopter drop of some supplies early tomorrow (Monday)."
Most residents in Bellbrook should be out of isolation within the next 48 hours, while those in Darkwood should have their access restored on Monday.
The SES spokesman said light rain was continuing to fall in the region, but it was not expected to cause floodwaters to rise again.
Most northern NSW communities isolated by the floodwaters were rejoined to the rest of the country by late on Saturday, as the massive clean-up continues.
The damage bill has so far exceeded $27 million, the Insurance Council of Australia has said.
