Improved weather conditions across New South Wales have allowed the State Emergency Service (SES) to initiate damage assessments in storm-hit areas, including parts of the Hunter region.
Wingham remains partially cut off as floodwaters continue to block access to some roads and bridges. Meanwhile, an emergency alert for Ferndale Caravan Park has been lifted, with residents permitted to return cautiously.
Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan, SES State Duty Commander, explained that these evaluations are an essential part of the recovery process.
“While we still have many fallen trees to clean up and power is not yet fully restored, we will commence damage assessments to allow homeowners, residents, local councils, and other government stakeholders to fully understand the impacts of this severe weather,” she said.
She added that these valuations also play a key role in future planning and preparation for similar events.
The assessments are set to expand to other affected regions, including Port Stephens, Cessnock, and parts of the Hunter, early this week.
To assist local communities, information hubs have been established in Maitland and Port Stephens. Additionally, liaison officers have been dispatched to Dungog, Maitland, and Raymond Terrace to provide support.
Hogan noted that the community hubs have seen significant activity, with over 1,000 residents accessing food, assistance, and welfare checks provided by local volunteers.
The severe weather event, which began on Jan. 15, has resulted in widespread destruction and fatalities.
In Cowra, a man in his 80s died after a tree fell on his vehicle. Emergency teams are also searching for a man swept away by floodwaters at Limpinwood. His vehicle was found abandoned, prompting an extensive operation involving SES units from northern NSW, including Lismore, Ballina, and Mullumbimby.
As of Jan. 19, the SES had responded to 8,547 incidents, with the majority involving fallen trees, damaged powerlines, and property damage. Over 2,100 volunteers had been active, logging 50,000 hours in response efforts.
Insurance companies are responding to the needs of storm-affected customers across the region.
Suncorp has deployed its Mobile Disaster Response Hub to northern NSW, starting in Glen Innes, and plans to move to other affected locations such as Maitland and Newcastle.
The insurance giant, which operates brands like AAMI, GIO, Apia, and Shannons, reported more than 3,200 storm-related claims in the past week, with 2,700 involving home damage.
Lilly Broodbank, Suncorp executive manager for disaster management, said the Mobile Disaster Response Hub allows customers to access support face-to-face, recharge their devices, and stay connected via Wi-Fi.
“This marks the first operational use of our Hubs since their completion in November last year, providing an additional layer of support for customers in their time of need,” she said.
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has also activated its response teams through brands such as NRMA Insurance and CGU. It received over 1,100 claims as of Jan. 16, primarily for damages caused by wind, rain, and fallen trees.
Luke Gallagher, NRMA Insurance’s executive general manager of claims, said the response team is on standby 24/7 to assist customers. Emergency financial aid and temporary accommodation are among the services being offered.
IAG’s HELP Response Vehicles have been deployed to Glen Innes, West Pennant Hills, and Stanthorpe in Queensland to provide face-to-face assistance with lodging claims.
