Flood disaster in New South Wales: Thousands stranded, four dead
In New South Wales, Australia, floods have already claimed the lives of four people. Although the rains are subsiding, thousands of residents remain cut off from the world. One person is still missing.
Key information
- Four people have died as a result of the floods in New South Wales.
- More than 50,000 residents are isolated, and one person is missing.
- The government has declared a state of emergency.
In southeastern Australia, in the state of New South Wales, floods have caused the death of four people. The intense rainfall that struck the region is subsiding, but the situation remains difficult. More than 50,000 residents are cut off from the world, and one person is still considered missing.
Authorities have evacuated more than 600 people using helicopters. Thousands of households remain without power, and classes have been canceled in more than 100 schools. The heavy rains, which lasted three days, brought a downpour equivalent to six months of rain.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Premier of New South Wales, Christopher Minns, visited the flood-affected communities. Albanese told the radio station Triple M Newcastle that these are quite frightening conditions, adding it's a really serious situation. The government has declared a state of emergency to respond more swiftly to the needs of the residents.
Causes of extreme weather events
Australia has been grappling with extreme weather conditions in recent months. This year's average sea surface temperature around the country was the highest on record, leading to increased humidity in the atmosphere and more intense rainfall. Experts attribute these phenomena to climate change.
Rescue services are preparing for massive cleanup operations and damage assessments. Rivers in the affected regions are slowly receding, offering hope for improvement in the situation. However, residents still have to cope with the aftermath of the floods.
