The NSW Mid North Coast is currently grappling with a severe flood event, described as a "one-in-500-year" occurrence, affecting numerous towns and villages.

As of May 22, 2025, floodwaters have inundated areas including Kempsey, Macksville, and Coffs Harbour, with additional rainfall forecasted to reach between 100 to 300 mm in the next 24 hours.

Approximately 50,000 people are isolated due to the flooding, with over 9,500 homes at risk and 145 schools closed; tragically, there have been at least two confirmed fatalities and three individuals reported missing.

In response to the crisis, emergency services have conducted more than 500 flood rescues, and evacuation centers have been established to assist those affected.

Premier Chris Minns has warned that communities should brace for further challenges in the coming days, highlighting the increasing frequency of natural disasters in the region.

Concerns have been raised regarding recent building practices, particularly concrete slab construction on floodplains, which may expose vulnerable populations to greater risks during such disasters.

This flooding event follows a significant flood caused by Cyclone Alfred just two months prior, with heavy rainfall warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Despite experiencing recurring natural disasters, including bushfires in 2019-2020 and floods in 2021 and 2022, many residents were caught off guard by this latest event.

The aftermath of the 2022 floods revealed a lack of coordination among communities, government, and insurers, which delayed recovery efforts; lessons learned may help alleviate future suffering for affected residents.

Taree, which faced a major flood in 2021, is now experiencing the largest flood on record, underscoring the ongoing recovery challenges for communities previously impacted by disasters.