Australia has launched a major clean-up operation in New South Wales following devastating flood damage that killed five people and impacted over 10,000 properties. The floods, triggered by relentless rainfall, inundated towns, swept away homes, and left thousands stranded in the southeast.
Government Steps In
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that federal, state, and local agencies are working together to deliver aid and begin recovery. “We’re ensuring Australians get the help they need now and throughout the rebuilding process,” he said on social media platform X.
Hard-Hit Regions Assessed
Authorities have started assessing the scale of destruction, especially along the mid-north coast of New South Wales. The State Emergency Services (SES) reported that at least 10,000 properties may be damaged. Floodwaters submerged streets and swept away livestock, turning everyday roads into rivers.
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Conditions improved on Friday, but emergency services remained on high alert. Overnight, 52 flood rescues were conducted, and hundreds remained in evacuation centres.
Tragic Losses
The latest casualty was a man in his 80s, found dead on a flooded property near Taree—one of the towns hardest hit. Taree, located over 300 km north of Sydney, saw the Manning River overflow, isolating communities and submerging vehicles.
Albanese, who had to cancel a planned visit to Taree due to high water levels, expressed sorrow over the rising death toll. “It’s heartbreaking to hear of more lives lost. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and affected communities,” he said in a statement.
A Pattern of Disasters
The flooding follows a pattern of extreme weather in Australia. Experts link the increasing frequency of such events to climate change. Since 2021, floods have repeatedly struck regions already weakened by droughts and massive bushfires in previous years.
As waters recede, officials are now focusing on recovery, damage surveys, and long-term planning to make towns more resilient to future disasters.
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