State Emergency Service volunteers have responded to 8895 incidents, completed 806 flood rescues and 416 resupply missions in response to heavy rainfall and severe flooding in the Hunter and Mid North Coast. The numbers have been released as the NSW SES concludes its operational response and hands over to NSW Reconstruction Authority. Homes, businesses and infrastructure have sustained extensive damage in the natural disaster. More than 2200 NSW SES volunteers mobilised to support communities affected by heavy rainfall and severe flooding from 14 May, working with volunteers and partner agencies including NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and VRA Rescue NSW. During the response the SES carried out resupply operations to isolated communities, delivering essential supplies including food, water and medicine, as well as conducting hundreds of flood rescues. Hundreds more emergency service partners and community members have tirelessly assisted with damage assessments, as well as undertaking cleanout and washout of damaged properties. NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing thanked SES volunteers and emergency service colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand for their dedication and commitment during the crisis. “As we transition into the recovery phase of this operation, our priority remains delivering essential supplies to residents who remain isolated," he said. “While the SES hands over the recovery operation to the Reconstruction Authority, I thank the thousands of community members who mobilised to support and assist with the clean-up." Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said thousands of people had come together in support of the disaster-affected regions with many more putting their hand up to join volunteer ranks. “I’ve met dozens of volunteers on the ground in Kempsey, Maitland, Port Macquarie, Taree and Wingham in the past week, and witnessed first-hand the exceptional support from across NSW, as well as interstate and internationally," he said.
