A tight-knit rural community on the NSW Mid North Coast is mourning the tragic loss of one of their own following the death of 63-year-old David Knowles. His body was discovered in a flooded home on North Moto Road, northeast of Taree, around 3 pm on Wednesday, marking a heartbreaking chapter in an already devastating flooding crisis.
The community’s response has been one of profound grief and resilience. Floyd Goodwin, a resident of nearby Kundle Kundle, expressed the collective sorrow: “We’re all devastated to hear about David’s passing. I believe it’s in the coming days that the true weight of this loss will hit us hardest.”
Conditions in the region have reached unprecedented levels, with Mr. Goodwin describing the situation as “the worst we’ve ever experienced.” The flooding has overwhelmed local infrastructure, forcing residents to undertake their own rescue efforts. “The people from the Coopernook Fire Brigade and local volunteers have worked tirelessly through the night and most of yesterday, using civilian boats to carry out rescues,” he explained.
Access remains a major challenge due to the area’s rugged topography and the powerful flow of the Manning River in flood. “Getting a boat in is a real challenge,” Goodwin noted. Helicopters have been deployed to assist, but their reach is limited. “They can only winch people from locations accessible to them, and many of our elderly residents are unable to reach those spots,” he added, underscoring the ongoing difficulty and danger faced by those caught in the floodwaters.
As the community grapples with loss and adversity, stories of courage and solidarity continue to emerge amidst the relentless floodwaters that have reshaped their lives.
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