THE 1955 Maitland flood was one of the most severe catastrophes to ever hit the region.
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It destroyed thousands of homes as water inundated the city and claimed several lives.
On Wednesday February 23, 1955 heavy rain began falling in the Upper Hunter Valley. This would be the beginning of a horrendous week for the people of Maitland.
By Sunday, February 27, the rising waters on both the upper and lower reaches of the river system resulted in widespread flooding.
According to SES records released by Floodsafe Hunter, the total flood volume for the entire Hunter River system was 2.1 million megalitres—enough to fill Sydney Harbour over four times.
In Maitland, the flood reached a peak height of 12.1 metres at the Belmore Bridge gauge.
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