Relentless downpours have unleashed chaos across Australia’s southeast coast, particularly in New South Wales, where flash flooding has claimed three lives and left entire communities cut off. The deluge, which began earlier this week, has submerged rural towns, disrupted power supplies, and prompted widespread evacuations, with authorities bracing for more heavy rain in the coming hours.
In the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions, the flooding has been catastrophic. A 63-year-old man was found deceased in his flooded home near Taree, approximately 300 kilometers north of Sydney. In a separate incident, a man in his 30s, reported missing, was discovered in floodwaters along the Mid North Coast. Tragically, a 60-year-old woman perished after her vehicle was swept away west of Coffs Harbour. Despite warnings from police to avoid driving through floodwaters, she became trapped and was unable to be reached by emergency crews in time. Authorities are still searching for another missing individual as the crisis unfolds.
“This is a devastating event for our communities,” said New South Wales Premier Chris Minns during a press briefing. “With 140 flood warnings in place and 50,000 people facing potential evacuation, we’re dealing with an extraordinary situation. The road to recovery will be long.”
The flooding has isolated entire towns, with Cundletown in the Mid North Coast completely cut off. Local nurse Sarah Thompson, who works at an aged care facility housing dozens of elderly residents, described the dire circumstances. “We’re surrounded by water,” she said. “The facility is on higher ground, but we’re essentially an island right now. I’ve been here since Tuesday, and the water levels are unlike anything I’ve seen.”
The Manning River in Taree has shattered a century-old flood record, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Over 100 schools have been shuttered, and thousands of homes remain without electricity. Emergency services have conducted nearly 600 rescues, many involving helicopters and boats, as floodwaters have trapped residents in their homes or on rooftops.
In the coastal town of Old Bar, the aftermath is heartbreaking. Debris, including household items and livestock, litters the shoreline. Local resident Emily Carter recounted her ordeal after losing most of her possessions when her riverside home was inundated. While searching for sentimental items along the beach, she was injured after being knocked over by a distressed animal caught in the waves. “It’s overwhelming,” Carter said. “Everything I owned is gone, and now I’m just hoping to find something to hold onto.”
The region has been battered by a slow-moving weather system that has dumped months’ worth of rain in just days. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology predicts up to 200 mm of additional rainfall through Friday, raising fears of further life-threatening flash flooding. The system is expected to weaken as it moves south toward Sydney, but not before causing more disruption.
Emergency response teams have been stretched thin, with 2,500 personnel deployed to assist with rescues and provide support. “We’re doing everything we can,” said Assistant Commissioner Rachel Harper of the NSW Police. “Our teams are working around the clock, but the scale of this disaster is immense.”
As the region grapples with the immediate impacts, residents and officials alike are preparing for a challenging recovery. The flooding has not only claimed lives but also disrupted livelihoods, with many facing the loss of homes, businesses, and cherished possessions. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those still in harm’s way as the rain continues to fall.
