Major flooding is continuing along several river systems on Friday, with aerial photos showing widespread devastation to communities.
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Emergency services are focusing on river systems including the Lachlan (Eugowra, Forbes, Condobilin and Euabalong), Murrumbidgee (Hay), Namoi (Wee Waa), Macquarie (Warren), and Murray (Wentworth) across Central West, west and southern NSW and the NSW-Victorian border region.
Flood-weary NSW residents have been told the disaster will continue into next year, with above average rainfall predicted in flood ravaged NSW and Victoria, as well as Queensland and eastern Tasmania until February. This could lead to more flooding in already sodden areas of eastern Australia.
Floodwaters have caused chaos on roads, with experts saying lives are being put at risk due to damaged roads.
Calls for roadside assistance for vehicles damaged when driving through potholes are increasing, and train lines have been cut.
The Australian and NSW governments have joined forces to provide flood relief assistance.
NSW flood emergency
There are 109 flood warnings, with 23 at emergency level. During the past 24 hours there has five flood rescues and 249 calls for assistance to SES crews.
In Eugowra, police are continuing to search for a body of a man briefly spotted in floodwaters on Thursday.
They are also searching for Ljubisa 'Les' Vugec, 85, who has been missing since a wall of floodwater inundated the tiny community on Monday.
Eugowra woman Dianne Smith, 60, drowned in floodwaters earlier this week.
Forbes remains a major focus for emergency services, with the community told to evacuate for the second time in two weeks.
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"We would like to thank the community for paying attention to emergency warnings. Evacuating immediately when instructed to do so is the best way to ensure you stay safe," NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said.
"We know that every flood is different, and if an earlier flood didn't reach you, it doesn't mean that this one won't."
Widespread flooding in Victoria
There are 58 flood warnings, with one at emergency level for people in the Riverine.
The emergency warning was issued on Thursday afternoon but remains current, with people advised to shelter if they have not already evacuated.
"Our volunteers are still working around the clock to provide support to flood-impacted communities across the state," Victoria SES said.
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
