Australia’s east coast is once again in the grip of a devastating flood crisis, with relentless rain leaving communities reeling and the threat far from over.
As the slow-moving weather system pushes south, residents from the Hunter region down to the Southern Highlands are bracing for more heavy falls, flash flooding, and the long, difficult clean-up ahead.
Tragically, the floods have already claimed three lives. In the Hunter region, a 60-year-old woman lost her life after attempting to drive through floodwaters near Dorrigo.
Despite a police officer’s warning to avoid the submerged road, she called for help just 30 minutes later, but it was too late.
Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by floodwaters—no matter how shallow they may seem.
Elsewhere, a 63-year-old man was found on the verandah of his flooded home in Moto, and a man in his 30s was discovered in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie.
Authorities are still searching for another man missing near Bellingen, and the coroner will review all deaths linked to the disaster.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that some areas could see up to 150mm of rain in just 24 hours, with Goulburn and Bega among the communities at risk of flash flooding.
The slow-moving trough responsible for this deluge is expected to continue dumping rain across the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and further south, compounding the misery for already saturated regions.
For many, the ordeal is far from over. Emergency services are stretched, with additional personnel arriving from Victoria to bolster local efforts.
The scale of the disaster has prompted both state and federal governments to expand disaster assistance, now covering 19 areas.
This support includes financial aid, emergency accommodation, and free legal advice for those facing rejected insurance claims or housing issues.
Flood researcher Dr Mahdi Sedighkia from the Australian National University says these events are becoming more frequent and intense.
‘We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks,’ he explains.
Authorities are urging everyone to heed warnings and never drive or walk through floodwaters. Even ankle-deep water can be deceptively dangerous, as the tragic events of this week have shown.
If you’re in a flood-prone area, stay informed through local news, emergency services, and the Bureau of Meteorology’s updates.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to emergency services or local support networks.
And if you’re dealing with insurance or housing issues, Legal Aid NSW is offering free advice to help you navigate the process.
Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the devastating floods—families who have lost loved ones, individuals forced to evacuate, and communities now facing the long road to recovery.
In times like these, it’s important to stand together, offer support where we can, and remember the strength found in solidarity.
Have you or your community been affected by the recent floods? What steps are you taking to stay safe, and what support do you need? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help others prepare and recover.
Also read: NSW is copping rain and flooding while parts of Australia are in drought. What’s going on?
