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.”
Indonesian police have arrested three Australian men in connection with a deadly shooting at a villa in Bali, which claimed the life of a fourth Australian and left another seriously injured, according to Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya on Wednesday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to counter the "damaging" notion that democratic systems are failing, especially during a time of widespread global instability.
China's Foreign Ministry is pushing for a "more mature, stable and fruitful" partnership with Australia. While seeking stronger ties, Beijing offered no details on reports of PM Anthony Albanese visiting this summer.
China has rejected accusations made by the defense chiefs of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, who last week raised concerns over Beijing’s actions in the East and South China Seas.
A woman on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms has denied any intent to harm, calling the incident a tragic accident.
The Prime Minister updated the citizens of Israel on the progress of Operation "Am K’Lavi'" now in its sixth day. He emphasised the operation's objectives to neutralise nuclear and ballistic missile threats while acknowledging painful losses and praising the nation's resilien.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
Nippon Steel closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel on Wednesday after securing approval from the Trump administration, which obtained a rare “golden share” giving the U.S. government veto power over key corporate decisions.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
The U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday, as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies with ongoing Israeli strikes against Iranian targets.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to say whether Washington planned to strike Iran or its nuclear sites, adding that Tehran had reached out but it may now be "too late to be talking."
The Prime Minister updated the citizens of Israel on the progress of Operation "Am K’Lavi'" now in its sixth day. He emphasised the operation's objectives to neutralise nuclear and ballistic missile threats while acknowledging painful losses and praising the nation's resilien.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
Nippon Steel closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel on Wednesday after securing approval from the Trump administration, which obtained a rare “golden share” giving the U.S. government veto power over key corporate decisions.
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