Severe Flooding on Australia's East Coast Claims Four Lives

Rescue operations are in full swing on Australia's East Coast as authorities work tirelessly to bring victims of the catastrophic flooding to safety. Tragically, reports confirm that at least four individuals have lost their lives, while a 49-year-old woman remains missing.

The floodwaters have taken a devastating toll, with three of the deceased having been caught in their vehicles by the rising water and subsequently drowned. A fourth victim, a 63-year-old man, was discovered dead in his inundated home in the community of Moto, located approximately 250 kilometers north of Sydney.

In light of the disaster, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged residents during a visit to the affected areas to refrain from driving through flooded zones. He emphasized the perilous nature of the situation, noting that floodwaters can continue to rise even after rainfall has ceased.

The flooding has led to the complete submersion of numerous roads, including significant stretches of the Pacific Highway, which serves as a vital route connecting Sydney and Brisbane in Queensland. The situation has prompted widespread evacuations, affecting tens of thousands of residents.

Particularly hard-hit regions include the Mid North Coast, with small towns such as Taree in the Hunter Valley and Port Macquarie experiencing dire conditions. Many residents have lost power, and several schools have been closed.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that rescue teams have conducted over 670 operations under extremely challenging conditions. He praised the heroics of volunteers who have placed themselves in dangerous situations to assist strangers in need.

Rescue efforts have involved individuals being airlifted from rooftops, as torrents of muddy water surge beneath them. Emergency services are utilizing boats and helicopters to reach those trapped.

According to the state's weather agency, the rainstorm that caused the flooding has now moved out of the affected area and is heading south towards Sydney.