'Unbelievable scenes': Locals assess damage at Murwillumbah as roads open
Residents of the far north-eastern NSW town of Murwillumbah are assessing catastrophic damage caused by flooding as waters recede enough to allow access by road.
Unprecedented flooding has cut off access to Murwillumbah by road for several days, forcing bands of locals to ferry supplies and people in and out of the town by boat.
As the waters recede, residents and media have been able to access the town via road for the first time.
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Nine News journalist Mia Glover reported "unbelievable scenes of destruction" as locals are left with all of their possessions caked in thick mud.
Rising waters of the Tweed River swept through Murwillumbah's CBD at a record 6.5 metres, higher than previous events in March 2017 and March 1974.
The Murwillumbah Cricket Club updated followers on social media, telling them the water swept through the entire first floor of the clubhouse.
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Locals are cleaning up after Murwillumbah was cut off to road access by historic flood levels. Twitter/ Mia Glover
The Murwillumbah Racecourse was flooded almost to the top of the finishing post. Supplied
"Murwillumbah Cricket Club was right in the line of the flood, so it's a mess and a big clean up will be needed soon. We will keep you posted for any helpers keen to assist," the club posted to Facebook.
"For now peoples homes and families are the priority so please stay safe and dry wherever possible. Lend a hand to those in need where you can and its safe to do so.
"Speedy recovery to you all, also to our friends in Lismore and surrounds and Ballina and surrounds, our thoughts and best wishes are with you too."
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The Insurance Council of Australia has reported receiving almost 14,000 insurance claims from New South Wales, with the current damage bill sitting at $900 million and rising.
"This is an ongoing and severe weather event, so it is still too early to predict where it will end," said Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia.
"These severe weather systems have been impacting the East Coast now for more than a week and are still very active across all regions."
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