Flood disaster zone widens

SYDNEY - Another flood-affected area on the New South Wales mid-north coast has been declared a natural disaster zone.

The declaration adds the Clarence Valley to Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca, which were deemed disaster zones on Wednesday.

State Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan said the Clarence Valley Council had reported significant damage to roads.

"The extension of the declaration will provide for a range of assistance to residents, councils and business owners who suffered property damage," Whan said.

The State Emergency Service has received 1100 calls for assistance across NSW after heavy rains drenched areas from Sydney to the mid-north coast on Tuesday and Wednesday. About 800 of those were from the Coffs Harbour area.

More than 100 people have been rescued from floodwaters, which have receded since Wednesday, allowing residents to begin mopping up.

Whan said Bellingen was no longer cut off, with a major road reopened. But about 2300 residents across the region remained isolated.

- AAP