Eastern Australia is currently grappling with a severe flooding crisis as torrential rains continue to batter the region. As of May 22, 2025, rising floodwaters have stranded more than 50,000 people in New South Wales (NSW), with engorged rivers swallowing roads.
The relentless storms have unleashed over half a year's worth of rain in some areas within a mere three-day span. The town of Kempsey, a vital agricultural center along the Macleay River, has been cut off with little warning. Emergency services have deployed approximately 2,500 personnel to the affected areas, utilizing rescue boats, helicopters, and drones in ongoing search and rescue operations.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the heavy rainfall will gradually ease, shifting southwards. Despite the easing rains, the flood threat remains significant, with warnings still in place and communities bracing for a challenging recovery. Evacuation centers have been established across the affected regions to provide shelter and support to those displaced by the floods.