Sydney, May 23 (V7N)- At least three people have died and one person is missing following severe flooding across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, as record-breaking rainfall turned towns into islands and prompted evacuation warnings for more than 50,000 people. Authorities have declared the situation a natural disaster, deploying over 2,000 emergency workers to assist in rescue efforts.

Flash floods caused by torrential downpours have isolated several communities, stranded thousands of residents, and shut down hundreds of schools. The flooding has been most severe along the southeastern coast and Mid North Coast, where rivers have surged to historic levels, submerging homes and infrastructure.

Emergency services confirmed that:

The body of a 63-year-old man was discovered near Taree, a town heavily affected after a major river crested at 6.3 meters, surpassing a record set nearly 100 years ago.

A 60-year-old woman died west of Coffs Harbour after her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Authorities had warned her not to proceed, but she became stranded and could not be reached in time.

A man in his 30s was found deceased in floodwaters along the Mid North Coast, believed to have gone missing during the height of the storm.

A search is ongoing for a man who disappeared after walking along a flooded road, and for a woman whose car became trapped in rising waters.

The State Emergency Service (SES) and police have coordinated large-scale evacuations. Twenty-two people, including four pets, were rescued by helicopter from homes, bridges, and vehicles.

With more than 100 schools closed and thousands of homes and businesses without power, shelters have been opened to accommodate the displaced. The Candletown area on the Mid North Coast is reported to be completely cut off, with emergency centers turned into relief hubs.

NSW Chief Minister Chris Means described the flooding as "devastating" and warned that the situation remains critical, with 140 flood warnings in effect and more rainfall expected in the next 24 hours. He urged residents to stay alert, follow emergency instructions, and be prepared for further evacuations.

Weather officials have forecast continued rainfall that could worsen the flooding in already-affected areas. Residents have been asked to monitor emergency alerts and avoid flood-prone zones.

Nicole Samet, an employee at an elderly care center in the Mid North Coast, shared her experience:

"I came here to work on Tuesday and couldn’t go any further. We’re on top of the mountain, but everyone behind us is underwater. We’re isolated. I’ve never seen the water rise this high."

Emergency services continue to work around the clock, urging caution and community cooperation as they attempt to restore access, power, and safety to thousands of affected residents. The full scale of damage is yet to be assessed, but early estimates suggest widespread destruction to homes, roads, and infrastructure.

END/MSS/AJ