The death toll from the devastating floods sweeping southeastern Australia has climbed to four after authorities discovered a man’s body inside a submerged vehicle near Coffs Harbour. The area, located roughly 550 kilometres north of Sydney, has been among the hardest hit by three days of relentless rainfall.
Emergency officials report that around 50,000 people remain stranded as floodwaters isolate entire towns, destroy homes, and sweep away livestock. With at least one person still missing, search and rescue operations continue amid treacherous conditions and widespread devastation.
Also Read: Flood warning issued for Punjab rivers high alert declared
New South Wales Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston urged caution, warning of health and safety risks including contaminated waters, hidden debris, and downed power lines. Drone footage reveals vast stretches of submerged communities across the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking from the flood-affected town of Maitland, reiterated the government’s commitment to relief efforts, although his planned visit to the hardest-hit Taree was canceled due to road closures. “You’re not alone,” he assured impacted residents.
Climate experts say the disaster reflects a troubling trend. “These once-rare downpours are now becoming common,” said climate researcher Davide Faranda, pointing to a pattern of extreme weather that has plagued Australia in recent years, from bushfires to floods.
