Lismore flood: hundreds rescued and thousands evacuated as NSW city hit by worst flooding in history

Rapidly rising flood waters in Lismore in northern NSW have broke the levee, flooded the city and left hundreds trapped, with more rain expected. Photograph: Jason O’Brien/EPA

Residents of Lismore have been left reeling after “unprecedented” floods inundated the New South Wales regional city with rescue efforts expected to continue throughout the night.

State Emergency Services have also advised everyone along the entire New South Wales coast to prepare to evacuate with spokesperson Adam Jones saying the conditions were primed for flash flooding.