NSW rain emergency: key facts and figures

KEY FACTS AND FIGURES FROM THE NSW RAIN EMERGENCY

* More than 18,000 people told to evacuate

* 15,000 people on standby to do the same

* 870 flood rescues to early Tuesday, 9700 calls for help

* More than 200 schools closed

* Several hundred homes flooded

* Rains not expected to ease until Wednesday.

MID-NORTH COAST:

* 15,000 people ordered to evacuate low-lying areas including Macksville, Port Macquarie, Lower Macleay, Kempsey CBD

* Communities facing the worst flooding in almost a century

* Another 100mm of rainfall expected before Wednesday

* Macleay and Hastings rivers overflowing in many areas.

HUNTER REGION:

* More rain on the way and danger not over

* Major flooding occurring at Bulga in the Hunter Valley

* Minor flooding may occur in the Lower Hunter from Tuesday morning.

WESTERN, SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN SYDNEY:

* 3000 people evacuated along the Hawkesbury River amid the worst flooding since 1961, with the river expected to peak around 15m on Monday night

* Another 50-100mm of rainfall expected before Wednesday

* Major risks remain for residents west of the city

* Evacuation orders in some low-lying properties

* Evacuation order issued for low lying properties in North Richmond and Agnes Banks due to major flooding along the Hawkesbury River

* Evacuation warning issued for caravan parks along the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Wisemans Ferry

* Nepean River is experiencing moderate flooding, forcing evacuations

* Evacuation order issued for properties adjacent to the Upper Colo River in Upper Colo, Lower Colo, Colo Central and Wheeny Creek due to major flooding.

* Fears up to 54,000 people could be displaced

WESTERN NSW:

* Parts of western NSW could receive a season's worth of rain as another system arrives from the south

* Macquarie River levels have peaked at Bathurst, with minor flooding continuing.

ILLAWARRA AND SOUTH COAST:

* Two flood watch alerts for the Shoalhaven and Bega rivers and St Georges Basin

* 100-300mm of rainfall expected in parts in coming days.

ASSISTANCE:

* Federal natural disaster arrangements activated for 38 local government areas offering $1000 per adult and $400 per child for those affected

* 1700 SES volunteers involved in rescue and clean up helped by NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue Services

* The Australian Defence Force will run two search and rescue helicopters out of the south coast

* Up to 1000 ADF personnel expected to be deployed

* Victoria's CFA deploys 16 members to help

* St John Ambulance NSW volunteers providing health services, first aid and mental health support

* 9500 claims lodged with insurers

* Flood victims eligible for free advice from the Disaster Response Legal Service

* St Vincent de Paul Society has launched flood appeal www.vinnies.org.au/NSWFloodAppeal

* NSW Farmers launch appeal

* Almost a quarter of a million dollars raised on GoFundMe, including more than $100,000 for a Taree couple whose home washed away on their wedding day.

* Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank offering range of support to farming clients, including deferral of scheduled loan payments

* Bendigo Bank NSW Flood Appeal launched to raise funds.