NSW Floods Kill Five Isolate 50,000 Amid Widespread Damage

Record-breaking floods in New South Wales have caused widespread devastation, cutting off about 50,000 people across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions and resulting in at least five confirmed deaths. The deluge, which dumped months of rain in just a few days, severely impacted towns such as Taree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, and Wauchope, flooding homes, businesses, and roads including sections of the Pacific Highway. Rescue operations have saved over 600 people, and emergency services continue to deliver supplies by boat and helicopter while beginning damage assessments and cleanup efforts. Despite some easing of rainfall, flood warnings remain in place for several river systems, with authorities cautioning about ongoing health and safety risks from contaminated waters and infrastructure damage. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited affected areas, describing the situation as horrific and announcing federal support including emergency funding and military assistance for recovery. Communities are facing a long road ahead as they start to rebuild and recover from the catastrophic impact of these floods.