Tens of thousands of residents in eastern Australia have been left stranded as relentless flooding continues to batter parts of New South Wales, with two fatalities confirmed and widespread damage reported across the region.
Emergency services have retrieved two bodies from floodwaters in the Mid North Coast, a region approximately 400 kilometres north of Sydney, known for its river systems and rural terrain. The crisis has triggered large-scale rescue operations, with people forced to climb onto rooftops, cars, and bridges to avoid the rising waters.
The Bureau of Meteorology revealed that some areas have been deluged with more than half a year’s worth of rain in just three days. “We’re preparing for the situation to worsen over the next 24 hours,” said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns during a press briefing on Thursday. “This has been a devastating disaster for local communities.”
In the town of Kempsey, situated along the Macleay River, Mayor Kinne Ring told AFP that the town was abruptly cut off by the floods, isolating over 20,000 residents. “Rain on a tin roof is usually soothing, but right now it’s frightening,” she said. “Every downpour brings a new wave of anxiety.”
Further south in Taree, business owner Jeremy Thornton described the flood as “gut-wrenching” and among the worst the town has experienced. “It’s tough – the sound of the rain, the helicopters, the sirens – we’re reliving it constantly,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that over 50,000 people were isolated on Thursday, with several rivers yet to reach their peak levels. NSW Police reported a dramatic helicopter rescue after an elderly couple climbed onto their car roof to escape rising waters. Others were found sheltering on an elevated bridge before being airlifted by a navy Seahawk helicopter.
The scale of the flooding has been laid bare in grim scenes, with locals finding livestock carcasses on beaches, swept downstream by overflowing rivers. The federal government has declared the situation a natural disaster, releasing additional emergency resources.
Search efforts remain ongoing for two people still missing, as emergency personnel – including 2,500 workers, helicopters, boats and drones – continue rescue and relief operations.
Extreme weather has lashed much of Australia in recent months, from inland droughts to coastal storms. The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the intensified rainfall to unusually warm ocean temperatures surrounding the country, which increase atmospheric moisture and drive heavier downpours.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the link to climate change is becoming increasingly clear. “We’re seeing more destructive weather events occurring more often,” she said. “Australia is not immune to these global shifts.”
Meteorologist Steve Bernasconi noted that some towns received over 50 centimetres of rain in just three days. While the worst of the rainfall is expected to ease as the storm system moves south, authorities warn that conditions remain dangerous.
