Relentless rainfall over the past three days has unleashed catastrophic flooding across eastern Australia, submerging towns, destroying homes, and claiming at least four lives. New South Wales, the country’s most populous state, has borne the brunt of the disaster, with entire communities cut off by rapidly rising waters.
Government meteorologists reported that some areas received more than six months' worth of rain in just 72 hours. The floods have swept away livestock, inundated roads, and left behind a trail of debris along the coast.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns toured flood-affected regions on Friday, pledging federal support for recovery efforts.
"These are horrific circumstances," Albanese said in a radio interview. "The Australian Defense Force will be made available. There's going to be a big recovery effort required." He emphasized the extensive damage to infrastructure and urged collective action to assist impacted communities.
Emergency crews have rescued hundreds of people in recent days, with volunteers playing a critical role in preventing further loss of life. "Without these volunteers, we would have had hundreds of deaths," Minns said. "We’re in deep, deep gratitude."
While floodwaters began receding Friday, around 50,000 people remain isolated across the state. Authorities warned returning residents to exercise extreme caution due to hazards such as contaminated water, vermin, snakes, and electrical dangers.
Australia has faced increasingly severe weather events in recent years, with scientists linking the trend to climate change. Following years of drought and devastating bushfires, the country has experienced repeated floods since early 2021.
"What once were rare downpours are now becoming the new normal—climate change is rewriting Australia’s weather patterns, one flood at a time," said Davide Faranda, a climate researcher at ClimaMeter.
The storm system has since shifted toward Sydney, disrupting transport networks. Flooded rail lines delayed train services, including airport connections, while strong winds temporarily forced Sydney Airport to close two of its three runways. Officials also warned that Warragamba Dam, which supplies 80% of Sydney’s water, could soon overflow as it nears full capacity.
As recovery efforts continue, the nation braces for the long-term impacts of yet another climate-driven disaster.