New South Wales floods: Towns isolated, more rain expected
New South Wales in Australia is grappling with severe flooding. Two people have lost their lives, and the rising waters have cut off entire towns, isolating around 50,000 residents. Meteorologists predict further rainfall.
What do you need to know?
- Where and when did the floods occur? The floods have impacted New South Wales, the most populous state in Australia.
- What are the effects of the floods? At least two people have died, and roughly 50,000 residents have been isolated. In some areas, more than half of the annual rainfall fell in just three days.
- What actions have been taken? Local authorities are conducting rescue operations using helicopters, boats, and drones. Twenty-two people have been evacuated by helicopter.
"Catastrophic natural disaster"
Police discovered the bodies of two victims in the Mid North Coast region, about 250 miles northeast of Sydney. Three people are missing.
Local authorities are conducting extensive search and rescue operations using helicopters, boats, and drones. Many residents saved themselves from the rising waters by climbing onto the roofs of their homes.
State Premier Chris Minns described the situation as a "catastrophic natural disaster." On Thursday, over 100 schools were closed, and thousands of households were left without power.
Half of the annual rainfall in three days
The government meteorological office reported that in some areas, more than half of the annual rainfall fell in just three days. "We're bracing for more bad news in the next 24 hours," Minns declared.
The Manning River in Taree reached its highest level in 100 years. Rescue teams are having difficulty reaching those affected, yet 22 people were successfully evacuated by helicopter.
Meteorologists expect further rainfall of up to 8 inches by Friday, followed by an improvement in the weather. Nevertheless, Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain warned that "the worst is yet to come."
What are the causes of the intense rainfall?
According to the Australian National University, 2024 recorded the highest average sea surface temperature ever observed across the country, as noted by AFP. Warmer waters cause more moisture to enter the atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall.
Global warming, primarily driven by the use of oil, coal, and gas, increases the severity and frequency of natural disasters.
