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'Mummy are we going to die?' Massive storms terrify families and spark asbestos fears

Residents in NSW are facing a massive clean up after a freak, violent storm ripped the roofs off several homes in the Hunter Valley.

One family hid for their lives under mattresses in the bedroom as massive splinters of timber rained down through the ceiling and a young girl asked: "Mummy, are we gonna die?"

Footage shows the Singleton homes being thrashed by wind and rain overnight on Monday.

The storm only lasted 10 minutes, but it was enough to tear roofs from multiple homes.

Residents in NSW are facing a massive clean up after a freak storm ripped roofs off. Photo: Sunrise
Residents in NSW are facing a massive clean up after a freak storm ripped roofs off. Photo: Sunrise

There are now fears asbestos might be among the remains, hampering the clean up.

Singleton local Alison Bodium said it was "very scary" while at home with her children when the tempest rolled in, ripping off roofs and throwing timber through her ceiling.

"We were watching it out the window when we saw the roof lift off and ran to another bedroom and saw timber come through the ceilings," she told Sunrise.

Singleton mother Alison Bodium recalled how she was not sure if she and her family would survive the storm the battered the Hunter Region. Source: Sunrise
Singleton mother Alison Bodium recalled how she was not sure if she and her family would survive the storm the battered the Hunter Region. Source: Sunrise
There are fears asbestos might be in the remains. Photo: Sunrise
There are fears asbestos might be in the remains. Photo: Sunrise

"So we ran to another room and hid under some mattresses and had to wait it out for 10 minutes for it to pass."

With the storm raging above them, Ms Bodium's frightened daughter asked her mum if they were in grave peril.

"My little girl said to me, 'Mummy, are we gonna die?' And I said, 'No darling, we're gonna be OK,'" the mum said.

"So it was really hard to keep it together and be strong for them when I didn't know if it was gonna be OK or not."

Many residents also reported power outages and the first phone calls to SES came in at 3pm, according to the Singleton Argus.

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“The 10-minute storm was when the most damage occurred. Then we received that big downpour soon after," NSW SES community engagement officer Simone Burrows said

“The strong winds not only knocked trees over, but also onto people’s fences and sheds. Seven homes were missing their roofs, too."

The SES received 37 calls by 7pm.

The SES said the 10-minute storm was when the most damage occurred. Photo: Sunrise
The SES said the 10-minute storm was when the most damage occurred. Photo: Sunrise
The storm sent the Bodium family running for cover under mattresses in the bedroom. Source: Sunrise
The storm sent the Bodium family running for cover under mattresses in the bedroom. Source: Sunrise

Storms also thrashed southeast Queensland overnight, with the Hinterland copping the most rain at 144 millimetres and more than 80 millimetres falling on the Gold Coast in one hour.

The rain system only lasted about an hour and a half before heading to Brisbane.

Brisbane had falls in excess of 100 millimetres, sparking flash flooding and drivers were seen still trying to plough through the water despite warnings.

North Queensland to receive disaster funding

A string of north Queensland towns will given disaster assistance funding to help with the recovery effort following last week's floods.

Burdekin, Charters Towers, Etheridge, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire and Townsville local government areas will be eligible for state and federal government funds after flash flooding swept through the region.

Many residents also reported power outages. Photo: Sunrise
Many residents also reported power outages. Photo: Sunrise

Queensland Emergency Services Craig Crawford says crews are continuing to assess the damage, with more rain predicted in the coming days after falls of about 500mm in some places late last week.

The Bureau of Meteorology said moderate flooding was recorded at Richmond on Monday, with major flood levels expected at Walkers Bend later this week.

Heavy rainfall of up to 95mm was recorded in the Flinders and upper Gilbert catchments in the 24 hours to 9am Monday.