Canberra: Australian authorities have begun recovery operations in the southeastern region of the country following devastating floods that claimed five lives and impacted over 10,000 properties.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Saturday that coordinated efforts across all levels of government were underway to support affected communities. "We’re continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery," he posted on social media platform X.
New South Wales' mid-north coast bore the brunt of the flooding, with emergency services reporting widespread damage. The State Emergency Services (SES) said that assessments were ongoing, with many towns cut off, livestock swept away, and homes destroyed by the intense flooding.
While weather conditions have improved since Friday, the aftermath remains dire. Hundreds of residents are still sheltering in evacuation centres, and 52 rescues were carried out overnight, according to SES Commissioner Mike Wassing.
Among the fatalities was a man in his 80s, whose body was discovered on a flooded property near Taree, one of the most severely affected areas located about 300 kilometres north of Sydney along the Manning River.
Albanese, who had to cancel a visit to Taree on Friday due to hazardous conditions, expressed his sorrow over the fatalities. "All of our thoughts are with his loved ones and the community at this time," he said in a statement.
The floods were triggered by several days of heavy rainfall that caused rivers to overflow, swamping roads and submerging vehicles. At the height of the crisis, around 50,000 people were cut off by floodwaters.
Australia has experienced an increasing number of extreme weather events in recent years, with scientists attributing the trend to climate change. The country has swung from severe drought and bushfires in the late 2010s to frequent and destructive flooding since 2021.
