Eastern Australia has been overwhelmed by catastrophic floods following three consecutive days of torrential rain, which dumped more than six months’ worth of rainfall across parts of New South Wales (NSW). The deluge has left four people dead, several others missing, and approximately 50,000 residents isolated by rising waters.
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Described as one of the worst weather disasters in recent memory, the floods were caused by a slow-moving low-pressure system, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Areas along the Mid North Coast and the Hunter region, including Taree, Maitland, and Coffs Harbour, have been among the hardest hit, with rivers surpassing record levels not seen in nearly a century.
Tragic Losses and Emergency Response
Authorities have confirmed four fatalities:
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A man in his 70s was found in a submerged vehicle near Coffs Harbour.
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A 63-year-old man, later identified as David Knowles, was discovered at a property near Taree.
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A man in his 30s was recovered from floodwaters near Rosewood.
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A 60-year-old woman died after being trapped in floodwaters at Brooklana.
NSW Police are still searching for a 49-year-old man last seen in Nymbodia crossing floodwaters. Emergency services have conducted more than 670 flood rescues since the crisis began, with over 150 flood warnings in place—40 of them at emergency level.
Mass Displacement
Nearly 10,000 homes are at risk of flooding in NSW, and more than 100 schools have been shut. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without electricity. Evacuation centres have been set up across the state, though reaching isolated communities remains a logistical challenge due to washed-out roads and submerged infrastructure.
NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the difficulty in delivering aid: “It’s very difficult to get supplies into some of these isolated communities.” He urged those in “prepare to evacuate” zones to leave if safe, noting the vulnerability of elderly and disabled residents.
Floods Disrupt Sydney
The wild weather reached Sydney and Newcastle on Thursday, causing disruptions across the city. Rail lines, including services to Sydney Airport, were affected due to water on tracks. Two of Sydney Airport’s three runways were temporarily closed due to strong winds, delaying flights. The Warragamba Dam, Sydney’s main water source, is nearing capacity and may spill over.
National and State Response Intensifies
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Minns toured flood-affected areas on Friday, pledging comprehensive recovery efforts. The federal government has declared the floods a natural disaster, unlocking vital emergency funds and military assistance. “The Australian Defence Force will be made available,” said Albanese. “There’s going to be a big recovery effort required. You are not alone.”
Climate Change Behind the Crisis?
Experts say climate change is amplifying extreme weather events in Australia. ClimaMeter researcher Davide Faranda stated: “What once were rare downpours are now becoming the new normal—climate change is rewriting Australia’s weather patterns, one flood at a time.”
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The Australian weather bureau reports abnormally warm ocean temperatures have increased atmospheric moisture, fueling heavier rainfall. Australia, still recovering from bushfires and previous floods, faces a growing pattern of climate-related disasters.