Record floodwaters in eastern Australia leave 4 dead and 1 missing

MELBOURNE, Australia — MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Unprecedented flooding on the east coast of Australia has tragically resulted in the loss of four lives, with one individual still missing, officials confirmed on Friday following a lull in rainfall across the affected region.

Approximately 50,000 people have been cut off by floodwaters in New South Wales, located north of Sydney, due to heavy rainfall over the past few days. The intense low-pressure system responsible for the downpour has now shifted south towards Sydney and its surrounding areas.

Tragically, four bodies have been recovered from floodwaters in New South Wales since Wednesday, with three victims having driven into the floodwaters, while another individual was found deceased on the flooded veranda of their home.

The latest fatality was a man in his 70s whose body was discovered in a vehicle submerged in floodwater near Coffs Harbour on Friday, as reported by the police. The vehicle had veered off the road.

Additionally, a 49-year-old man remains missing after last being seen near a flooded road in Nymboida on Wednesday evening.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Christopher Minns conducted on-site assessments of the devastated communities on Friday, some of which had been submerged by the highest floodwaters on record.

Minns commended the emergency services and volunteers for their efforts in rescuing 678 individuals from floodwaters in recent days, including 177 rescues within the past 24 hours.

“It’s truly remarkable to witness the heroic efforts of these volunteers who, under challenging circumstances, risked their own safety to save complete strangers. In the days and weeks ahead, we will undoubtedly hear numerous accounts of locals being rescued from dire situations,” Minns expressed to reporters in Maitland, one of the heavily impacted areas.

“Without the selfless dedication of these volunteers, the death toll could have been much higher, and we are immensely grateful to those who generously offered their time,” Minns added.

Despite the subsiding rainfall, State Emergency Service Commissioner Mike Wassing emphasized the ongoing monitoring of potential floodwater rises due to continuous inflow into catchment areas.

“We are still receiving reports of active flood rescues, which we are addressing on a case-by-case basis,” Wassing stated. “While the intensity has decreased, which is positive, we remain vigilant.”

Mayor Steve Allan of Bellingen Shire Council highlighted the challenges posed by landslides, damaged infrastructure, and access issues in reaching isolated communities within his rural district southwest of Coffs Harbour.

“Waking up to clear skies is a welcome sight,” Allan remarked.

“As our rivers gradually recede, it appears that we are transitioning from emergency response to recovery efforts this morning,” he added.