Floods devastate southeast Australia as death toll rises to four

Severe floods in southeast Australia have left four dead and tens of thousands stranded, as authorities warn of ongoing dangers and climate impacts.

The death toll from the severe flooding in southeast Australia has risen to four after a man was found dead in a car submerged in floodwaters near Coffs Harbour, about 550 kilometres north of Sydney. Authorities continue to search for one person still missing after days of relentless rain.

Emergency services report that around 50,000 people remain isolated following the flooding, which has inundated entire towns, destroyed homes, and swept away livestock. As residents return to assess the damage, they are being urged to remain cautious of hazards such as contaminated waters, wildlife, and electrical risks.

State Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston warned, “Floodwaters have contaminants, there can be vermin, snakes ... Electricity can also pose a danger.”

Heavy rain caused rivers to overflow in New South Wales' Hunter and Mid North Coast regions, submerging roads and vehicles. Debris, including dead livestock, has been washing up along the coast.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was forced to cancel a planned visit to flood-hit Taree due to rising waters but assured affected communities of federal support. Speaking from Maitland, he said, “You’re not alone.”

The storm system has moved south to Sydney, bringing further disruptions. Flooding affected suburban train services and forced a partial shutdown of Sydney Airport. Warragamba Dam, which provides most of Sydney’s water, is nearing overflow.

Climate researchers link these increasingly frequent floods to climate change. Davide Faranda of ClimaMeter said, “What once were rare downpours are now becoming the new normal – climate change is rewriting Australia’s weather patterns, one flood at a time.”

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