Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the start of a large-scale flood clean-up across the country’s southeast after torrential rains killed five people and damaged over 10,000 properties.
“We’re continuing to work closely across federal, state, and local governments to ensure Australians receive the support they need during recovery,” Albanese posted on social media platform X.
Damage assessments are currently ongoing in New South Wales’ mid-north coast, where rising waters cut off towns, drowned livestock, and destroyed homes, according to the state emergency services agency. Initial estimates suggest at least 10,000 properties were impacted.
While weather conditions improved by Friday, hundreds of residents remain in evacuation centers, said State Emergency Services Commissioner Mike Wassing. Overnight, crews conducted 52 flood rescues as submerged roads and fast-rising rivers trapped residents.
The latest victim was a man in his 80s, discovered in a flooded property near Taree, one of the worst-affected towns. Police confirmed the death, marking the fifth flood-related fatality in the region.
Prime Minister Albanese, who canceled a visit to Taree due to floodwaters, expressed grief over the tragedy. “It’s awful to hear of more loss of life,” he stated. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the affected communities.”
The floods, triggered by days of relentless rain, submerged streets, cars, and infrastructure across the mid-north coast. At its peak, the disaster isolated 50,000 people, with riverbanks bursting and waters rising to windshield height.
Climate change activists have warned that Australia’s extreme weather—including droughts, bushfires, and frequent floods—is intensifying due to climate change. Since early 2021, repeated flood emergencies have caused widespread destruction, compounding recovery efforts.
