Authorities are prioritizing sending bulk supplies to local supermarkets via water and air, along with providing individual medical and food supplies to isolated communities, according to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).

‘It just kept coming’

The Manning River reached its highest level on record at Taree as it and the surrounding area were hit with months of rain in a period of days.

The extensive cleanup operation is in progress in Taree’s CBD, with a large group of volunteers assisting businesses like this music shop, where water levels reached neck height, ruining stock worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Source: SBS News / Alexandra Jones

“Because the water hung around for a lot longer, we’ve got a bit more of a mess to clean up this time.”

“A family here has lost 450 head of cattle,” one individual said tearfully. “When the water subsides, they’ll find them all across their property.”

At least 10,000 properties damaged

“Many of these communities have experienced this before, but in some cases, maybe not to this extent.”

Assessors will evaluate roads and bridges to ensure their safety before any evacuation orders are revoked, with residents urged not to ignore closed roads even if no water is around.

“At this stage, we’re still expecting some of those flood levels to slowly recede through the course of the weekend and into early next week,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said.

‘A skip on top of the outhouse’

“Amusingly, there’s a skip [bin] on top of the outhouse,” he told SBS News.

The owner of a law firm in the Taree CBD said floodwaters rose above the first level of his building. He came back to find a skip bin washed up onto the roof of an outdoor toilet and live fish flapping in water in the backyard. Source: SBS News / Alexandra Jones

“Then I found six bass flapping around in the grass this morning. Someone very kindly returned them to the river this morning.”

Flood death toll stands at five

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who toured flood-impacted areas with NSW Premier Chris Minns on Saturday, said it was “awful to hear the news of more loss of life on the Mid North Coast, with the death of a man north-west of Taree”.

A 49-year-old man, who was reported missing on Wednesday after being spotted walking around flooded areas, has been located safe and well, NSW Police said.

Over 2,700 insurance claims already filed

Roads and bridges will be evaluated before evacuation orders are revoked, with residents urged not to ignore road closures even if no water is around.

Efforts are under way to clean up and help the hardest-hit communities, including in Taree, where this photo was taken. Credit: AAP Image/Supplied by Sharon Revell

Assistance grants of $180 per person or $900 for families are expected to roll out in the coming days and those unable to work will have access to a disaster recovery allowance from Monday.