Massive flood in Australia cuts off thousands from the outside world

A flood in Australia has caused massive damage in one of the country’s most densely populated states. In just two days, rainfall over New South Wales reached volumes comparable to four months’ worth of precipitation. The disaster has already claimed at least three lives and forced 50,000 people to evacuate their homes.

Rainfall unseen in at least 25 years causes flooding in Australia

Although much of the continent has a dry climate, heavy rains along the east coast are not unusual. However, the downpours that triggered the flood were exceptionally intense. According to ABC News meteorologist Tom Saunders, rainfall of this magnitude has not occurred in at least 25 years. Over 300 mm fell in a single day, with totals reaching 500 to 600 mm over the past week. Flooding on this scale hasn’t been seen on Australia’s coast in 500 years.

The heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast regions, where entire towns have been cut off. More than 100 schools have been closed, and over 5,000 homes and local businesses are without power. Reconnecting these areas to the grid may be impossible for the next few days due to severe damage to power lines. And the rain isn’t over yet.

Three deaths confirmed

Fortunately, flood-prone regions are prepared for such disasters. Residents know what to do in case of flooding, and local services monitor the situation and issue warnings in advance. As a result, the death toll remains low for now, and there is hope it won’t rise significantly.

Unfortunately, not everyone survived the initial wave of the flood. Police confirmed the death of a 60-year-old woman who chose to remain in her car and attempted to drive through flooded roads despite warnings. The other victims are two men aged 63 and 30. One person is still missing.

State Emergency Service (SES) authorities have deployed 2,500 personnel for rescue operations. More than 500 rescue missions have already been carried out in the Hunter and Mid-North Coast regions. Rapidly rising water is making many areas inaccessible.

The roads are especially dangerous, so police and emergency services in New South Wales are advising residents to stay home unless evacuation is necessary. Unfortunately, these warnings are not always heeded.

David Knowles, 63, one of the three confirmed victims, died while trying to help others. He asked rescuers to assist his neighbors first. By the time the team returned, Knowles had already died. The direct cause of death was not drowning, but a medical incident. The flood made it impossible to deliver help in time.

Flood in Australia threatens more towns

Meteorologists are forecasting more heavy rain on Friday, May 23 — with an expected 100 to 300 mm of rainfall. This poses a risk of rivers overflowing, many of which have not yet reached their peak levels. Of greatest concern is the possible overflow of the Warragamba Dam in the Sydney region. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the risk of overflow in the coming days is 50 percent. Water may also exceed maximum levels at smaller dams in the region.

This morning, the SES issued 134 hazard alerts. Residents of 20 regions — around 50,000 people — are preparing to evacuate. According to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, 9,500 properties are at risk of flooding. In addition, strong winds are forecast for the weekend and next week, which could cause further damage and hinder rescue efforts.

Extreme rainfall and climate change

Australia has long faced extreme weather events. East Coast Lows — cyclones affecting the eastern coastline — bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storms. New South Wales lies in a zone particularly vulnerable to their impact. However, the scale of the current disaster has taken everyone by surprise.

Global temperature increases intensify cyclones. Warmer air holds more moisture — about 7 percent more for every 1°C rise. This increases the risk of storms with extremely heavy rainfall, especially near coastlines, where changing ocean currents and rising sea surface temperatures come into play.

The current flood in Australia appears to be yet another tragic consequence of climate change, linked not only to global warming but also to visible disruptions in Earth’s water cycle.

main photo credit: Phillip Flores/ Unsplash