Supermarket supply chains in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of New South Wales are disrupted as delivery routes are severed by floodwaters. Currently, approximately 50,000 residents are isolated due to ongoing severe weather, with impacts anticipated to persist in eastern parts of New South Wales through Friday. The Manning River at Taree has reached unprecedented levels, inundating the town with a third of its annual average rainfall over two days.
A local documented conditions in Taree Coles through TikTok, displaying barren shelves and a disrupted fresh produce section. Affected by power outages and Pacific Highway closures, the supermarket experienced a scarcity of meat, fruits, and vegetables. A source on site described the preemptive measures with "a significant portion of the supermarket, including the meat and deli areas, was cordoned off by bollards."
Ms. Rawson stated to news.com.au, "Before we really had a chance to stock up, we were flooded in. No trucks can get in or out, so there's no food coming in."
Additionally, a Coles spokesperson reported that power outages on Wednesday night led to the disposal of perishable items, further impacting stock levels. The spokesperson noted, "We are keeping a close eye on the evolving situation in New South Wales, and most of our stores remain open for our communities."
Stores in Wingham and Kempsey have temporarily closed. Coles is strategizing to augment food deliveries and is prepared to access isolated regions once roads reopen.
Source: News.com