Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a cleanup operation in eastern Australia following devastating floods that have claimed five lives and left tens of thousands stranded. The floods, described as record-breaking, have caused significant damage, particularly in New South Wales, where at least 10,000 properties are believed to be affected.
The flooding has wreaked havoc across the coastal region. Many towns were isolated, livestock was swept away, and homes were destroyed. Fortunately, conditions have improved since Friday after days of heavy rain. However, hundreds of residents still find themselves in evacuation centers, and emergency services have reported 52 rescues overnight.
The latest victim was an elderly man found at a flooded property near Taree, which has been one of the hardest-hit areas. Albanese expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and noted that he had to cancel his trip to Taree due to the severe weather conditions.
At the height of the flooding, around 50,000 people were cut off from access, with many roads submerged. The storm system dumped an extraordinary amount of rain in just three days, leaving coastal areas littered with debris and dead animals. Train services, including those to the airport, were disrupted, causing delays as two of Sydney airport’s three runways were temporarily closed.
This disaster is part of a troubling trend in Australia, which has seen a series of extreme weather events in recent years. Experts link these occurrences to climate change, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces after experiencing droughts and bushfires in the years prior. As the cleanup begins, the focus remains on providing support to those affected and ensuring a swift recovery.