A natural disaster has been declared in New South Wales, Australia, after heavy flooding caused by an extraordinary amount of rainfall. Over the past two days, the region received more than four months’ worth of rain, leading to widespread devastation and at least one confirmed death.
The body of a 63-year-old man was discovered in a flooded home approximately 186 miles north of Sydney. This area has been severely affected, with farms washed away and roads rendered impassable. Police have expressed "grave fears" for three individuals who remain missing, including a 60-year-old woman and two men aged 25 and 49.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns warned residents to brace for more bad news as the situation develops. An estimated 50,000 people have been advised to prepare for isolation as floodwaters continue to rise. Many towns are cut off, with over 100 schools closed and around 5,300 businesses and homes without power. Essential Energy, responsible for maintaining electricity infrastructure, fears that power outages could last for days due to extensive damage.
Rescue efforts are hampered by dangerous conditions. Some people have been stranded for hours, waiting for help as fast-moving water makes it unsafe for boats to operate. Helicopter deployments are also challenging due to the treacherous weather. Andrew Edmunds from Australia’s State Emergency Service mentioned that there are still about 100 to 150 incidents requiring attention, but access is currently impossible.
In one instance, two elderly individuals were rescued from the roof of their car after they drove into floodwaters. As the situation evolves, forecasters warn of potential life-threatening flash floods in the coming hours, with some areas expecting up to 12 inches of rain by Friday. Government officials have indicated that the worst may not be over, especially as some rivers have yet to reach their peak.
New South Wales is known for its vulnerability to flooding. Local insurance broker Jeremy Thornton highlighted the difficulties homeowners face in securing insurance, with some companies refusing to provide quotes for properties in high-risk areas. In one case, a homeowner was quoted a premium that amounted to half of their annual salary.
As the state grapples with this disaster, communities are coming together to support one another during this difficult time.