Helicopters dropped emergency animal feed to stranded farmers on Sunday as flood recovery efforts began in southeast Australia, news reports said. Five people have died and over 30,000 remain isolated in New South Wales (NSW) after days of heavy rain caused widespread flooding.
Authorities estimate around 10,000 properties may be damaged. The mid-north coast, particularly near Taree, has been among the hardest-hit areas, with floodwaters submerging towns, destroying homes, and sweeping away livestock.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the government is providing emergency fodder, veterinary care, and aerial support, with 43 helicopter drops conducted so far. At the peak of the disaster, 50,000 people were cut off. Waters are now slowly receding, but clean-up operations are only beginning.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that conditions remain critical. Australia has faced a growing number of extreme weather events, including bushfires, droughts, and floods, which experts increasingly link to climate change.
