Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton, and the Upper Hunter councils are among nine local government areas officially declared natural disaster zones after devastating storms wreaked havoc across New South Wales The storms, marked by intense winds and heavy rainfall and thousands of lightning strikes, caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees, ripping roofs off buildings, and damaging critical infrastructure and leaving over 100,000 people without power for days.
In Cessnock, the storm left a significant mark, with Cessnock High School suffering extensive roof damage. Emergency services have been working around the clock to clear debris, restore power, and assist affected residents.
The declaration of natural disaster zones enables access to state and federal funding, allowing for recovery efforts and financial assistance to those impacted. Authorities have urged residents in the affected areas to report any damage and take necessary precautions as cleanup operations continue.
The extreme weather serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to severe storms, prompting calls for greater community preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of future events.