The entire township of Lismore on the far north coast of NSW is being evacuated as floodwaters rise.

The Bureau of Meteorology says flooding could reach heights not seen since 1974 with the Wilsons River at 13.5 metres.

Evacuation warnings have also been issued for the Brunswick River at Mullumbimby, areas near Maclean on the Clarence River, as well as Uki, Chinderah and Fingal Head near the Tweed River.

Nine News reporter James Wilson told Ben Fordham some residents are hiding in their ceiling to escape the water.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of residents now trapped in their homes.”

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The Australian Defence Force has arrived to support the SES.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie told Ray Hadley the ADF was mobilised in a matter of hours.

“They’re off, which is fantastic.”

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Neil Bennet from the Bureau of Meteorology told Jim Wilson the rain seems to be easing.

“On the radar, there is the first signs of clearance from the North West.

“That doesn’t mean things are going to rapidly improve.”

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General Manager of Kyogle Council Graham Kennett told Deborah Knight the situation is causing more concern.

“Everyone is indoors, staying safe and potentially waiting for the rain to ease.

“What we’re seeing there is nothing short of catastrophic.”

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Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg told Jim Wilson the current floods is ‘not improving’.

“Not being able to help people… I wish I could

“It’s devastating.

“This really is a watch and see event.”

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NSW Labor Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin told Ray Hadley the current predicament is worrying.

Having to swim to safety this morning she said, “we did swim out of the house”.

“Luckily we passed a couple of people stuck in their house.

“All hands are on deck.”

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Image: Nine News

John Stanley chats to Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.

Steve tells John, “It was absolutely unexpected and it was a shock to everyone”.

“I’ve seen upwards of 20 community owned boats, jet skis and kayaks bringing people home.”

“There are people that have been out there for 24 hours these people are exhausted, tired, their cold, their hungry and afraid”

“As the mayor of this great city my heart breaks for them”.

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