Record NSW Floods Kill Two, Leave Thousands Evacuated

Record-breaking floods in New South Wales, Australia, have resulted in at least two confirmed deaths and several people reported missing, with over 50,000 residents under evacuation warnings. The flooding, declared a natural disaster, was caused by a slow-moving low-pressure system and has led to widespread power outages, school closures, and numerous rescues including people stranded on rooftops. Emergency services, including more than 2,000 workers, have been actively conducting helicopter rescues, saving both people and pets, especially in hard-hit areas like Taree and the Mid North Coast where river levels broke nearly century-old records. Authorities confirmed the death of a 63-year-old man and hold grave fears for three others missing after being caught in floodwaters, with ongoing investigations and search efforts underway. NSW Premier Chris Minns stressed the severity of the situation, warning that the region faces more heavy rainfall and additional flooding in the coming days, urging residents to stay alert to emergency broadcasts. The disaster highlights increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the region, with significant impacts on communities and infrastructure.