Severe Flooding in NSW Leaves Thousands Isolated and Four Dead
Synopsis
Severe flooding in New South Wales (NSW) has claimed the lives of four people, with several others reported missing, as floodwaters have isolated approximately 50,000 residents. The region is experiencing record-breaking rainfall, officially declared…
Severe flooding in New South Wales (NSW) has claimed the lives of four people, with several others reported missing, as floodwaters have isolated approximately 50,000 residents. The region is experiencing record-breaking rainfall, officially declared a natural disaster, caused by a slow-moving low-pressure system. Locals report this as the heaviest rainfall they have ever seen.
Heavy downpours have continued to impact areas including Sydney and Newcastle, prompting the Bureau of Meteorology to issue flood warnings across southern NSW. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, visiting the affected regions, described the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and expressed solidarity with isolated communities. He praised emergency responders for their efforts, highlighting the resilience and spirit of Australians during crises.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has conducted over 670 flood rescues since the flooding began, with more than 535 rescues occurring in the last 24 hours alone. Authorities have issued over 150 flood warnings, including 40 at emergency level, urging residents to avoid driving or entering floodwaters.
Floods have forced the closure of more than 100 schools and caused widespread power outages affecting homes and businesses. Evacuation centers have been established for those displaced by the rising waters.
Taree, located on the Mid North Coast, has been hit particularly hard. Floodwaters at a major river in the area recently surged past 6.3 meters (20.6 feet), breaking a nearly 100-year-old record.
Tragically, the fourth victim was a man in his late 70s, whose body was recovered early Friday after he apparently drove into floodwaters near Coffs Harbour. Other fatalities include a 63-year-old man near Taree, a man in his 30s found near Rosewood, and a 60-year-old woman near Brooklana, all victims of the floods. Investigations are underway concerning some of the incidents.
Rescue teams continue searching for missing individuals, including a 49-year-old man last seen crossing a flooded area in Nymbodia several nights ago.
Nearly 10,000 homes along the Mid North Coast face flood risk, prompting Premier Chris Minns to warn of potentially worsening conditions. He highlighted logistical challenges in delivering supplies to isolated communities and acknowledged federal support pledged by the Prime Minister.
Minns encouraged residents in evacuation zones to leave if possible, understanding that some may be unable to do so due to age, health, or caregiving responsibilities. Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib emphasized that the government is fully committed to ongoing rescue efforts, noting that this flooding is unprecedented in recent history for the affected coastal regions.
Source
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