November 7, 2009 5,000 cut off by flooding on New South Wales Play video

(NECN/CH 7/CH 9) - The New South Wales state government declared several areas on the state's mid north coast a natural disaster zone after severe flooding damaged roads and left up to 5-thousand people isolated, Australian news agencies reported on Saturday.

Heavy rainfall on Friday night caused homes to be evacuated, left cars submerged, and debris washed up on riverbanks.

The seaside town of Coffs Harbor, about 340 miles north of Sydney , had 528mm (20 inches)of rain in the 48 hours up until Saturday morning local time, the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) said.

Shops became flooded overnight on Friday, while SES workers escorted residents from their homes as water levels rose.

By Saturday morning some of the water had subsided and shop owners in the booming holiday area were beginning to clean up.

Several roads remain closed and authorities have advised against non essential travel in the flooded areas around Nambucca, Bellingen, Kempsey and Coffs Harbour.

The local councils in the four areas affected will receive state government funding to rebuild damaged roads, bridges and infrastructure.

Residents and local businesses that suffered damage in the flooding will also have access to financial help.

The SES is expecting flood waters to subside by Sunday, restoring access to settlements cut off by the deluge.