SYDNEY – Cleanup operations have begun across southeastern Australia following deadly floods that claimed five lives and damaged more than 10,000 properties, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Saturday.
Albanese confirmed ongoing collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to support impacted communities. In New South Wales (NSW), authorities are assessing widespread damage, especially along the mid-north coast, where torrential rains cut off entire towns, swept away livestock, and flattened homes.
The NSW State Emergency Services reported that while weather conditions have eased since Friday, hundreds of evacuees remain in shelters. Emergency crews performed 52 flood rescues overnight.
Police also reported the death of an elderly man, found at a submerged property near Taree—one of the hardest-hit areas—about 300 kilometers north of Sydney. Albanese, who had to cancel a planned visit to Taree due to flood conditions, expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and the local community.
The deluge, driven by days of relentless rain, caused rivers to overflow and inundated roads, vehicles, and public infrastructure, temporarily isolating around 50,000 residents.
Australia has experienced increasingly severe weather events in recent years—ranging from intense bushfires to repeated floods—partly attributed to climate change, experts say.