Vision of NSW Police “Polair operations” in flood affected Taree

Taree, NSW – May 23, 2025 – As unprecedented floodwaters continue to engulf the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, the NSW Police Force Aviation Command (PolAir) has been at the forefront of a massive rescue operation, working tirelessly to pluck stranded residents from rooftops, vehicles, and isolated properties in and around Taree. The region has been hit by record-breaking rainfall, with the Manning River surpassing levels not seen since 1929, leaving tens of thousands isolated and homes submerged.

PolAir crews, operating from the emergency operations centre in Taree, have conducted a staggering 22 helicopter rescues since the flooding began, including 18 harrowing winch operations from inundated homes and roads. Among the dramatic rescues, four individuals were saved from a bridge, and in a particularly heartwarming effort, four dogs and a cat were also retrieved alongside their grateful owners.

One standout operation saw PolAir bravely rescue seven people, including a woman and her two-year-old child, from three different homes in Coolongolook. In another incident, a PolAir crew winched two elderly individuals to safety from the roof of their car after it became trapped in surging floodwaters. Late Wednesday night, four truck drivers were also successfully extracted from the M1 bridge at Ghinni Ghinni after a helicopter landed to retrieve them.

Beyond direct rescues, PolAir has played a crucial role in directing rescue boats to victims in areas inaccessible by air, significantly amplifying the overall emergency response.

The aerial efforts are part of a broader multi-agency response, with PolAir working in close coordination with the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) including the deployment of a Black Hawk helicopter, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Fire and Rescue NSW. Over 500 rescues have been reported across the state since the flooding commenced, with helicopters proving vital in reaching cut-off communities.

Despite some areas seeing a temporary reprieve in rainfall, authorities warn that the crisis is far from over, with further heavy rainfall predicted to exacerbate the already dire situation. With nearly 50,000 people remaining isolated and emergency calls continuing to pour in, PolAir and other aerial assets are expected to remain in the skies, providing a critical lifeline to flood-affected communities. The bravery and skill of these crews have been instrumental in saving countless lives amidst this devastating natural disaster.