Australia: Man found dead in floodwaters

The wild weather that hit northern New South Wales this week caused widespread flooding and damage. Photo / Getty Images

A man has been found dead in floodwaters at Raleigh, south of Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, police say.

Bellingen police were alerted to a submerged car seen in floodwaters on South Arm Road at Raleigh about 5.15pm local time (7.15pm NZST) yesterday.

"Police and other emergency services attempted to reach the location but were cut off by floodwaters some 8km from where the vehicle was sighted," a NSW police statement said.

Several attempts were made to reach the silver-coloured Toyota Hilux before officers gained access shortly after midnight.

Police found the body of a 70-year-old local man nearby.

Investigations are being carried out into the circumstances surrounding the man's death and a post mortem will be conducted.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees yesterday declared the state's north coast a natural disaster zone after severe storms and flooding battered the region.

The declaration covers Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley local government areas.

Rees said his government was ready to provide for the communities, after the region was hit with torrential rain and strong winds.

"The declaration will provide for a range of assistance to cover personal hardship and distress as well as funding for those who have suffered property damage, including residents, councils, business owners and primary producers," he said.

Rees inspected flood damage in the area yesterday, accompanied by Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan and State Emergency Service (SES) director General Murray Kear.

The wild weather has lifted roofs off buildings, and brought down trees and power lines.

Electricity supplies to homes and businesses have been interrupted, as well as some water supplies and sewerage systems.

The SES issued an evacuation order for 5,000 people from Lismore early yesterday after warnings the Wilsons River could reach major flood levels. It was expected to peak at 10.4 metres yesterday afternoon.

Residents in communities further south are isolated by floodwaters, with Bellingen, Darkwood and Thora cut off.

Destructive wind gusts exceeding 125km/h were possible along the coastal fringe, the Bureau of Meteorology's (BoM) website said.

Since Tuesday, the SES has received 1,560 calls for assistance from the border to Coffs Harbour.

They have conducted about 15 flood rescues and a number of medical rescues to help sick people leave their homes, along with other rescues conducted by police and fire brigades.

Rees congratulated the SES crews for their efforts.

"Our volunteers and emergency workers are doing a fantastic job," he said.

NSW Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said the natural disaster declaration could be extended to other areas if needed, with BoM predicting the weather system will move further south.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd urged residents in flood-ravaged areas not to brave dangerous waters.

Talking to reporters in Perth yesterday, Rudd said it was critical for locals in Lismore and surrounding areas to avoid flooded roads and stay indoors as far as possible.

"I understand local Emergency Management Authorities issued evacuation orders for Lismore and an evacuation centre has been established at Southern Cross University," Rudd said.

"It is critical residents follow the instructions of local authorities and as far as possible stay indoors and avoid the roads."

Rudd said the federal government was ready to assist if needed.

"We stand ready to assist in whatever way the commonwealth can."

- AAP