Grappling with wildfires, Australia now faces flood threat

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Emergency flood warnings have been issued on Wednesday in Victoria's Gippsland region, southern Australia, following heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours.

“We are closely monitoring the bushfires on the South Coast of NSW (New South Wales) and Gippsland in Victoria. All residents are urged to keep up to date with the advice from SES (State Emergency Service) and local authorities,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on X.

The government is supporting authorities as they work with firefighters battling the fires, he added.

“This will be a very hard moment for families and communities. All Australians are wishing you strength in the days ahead,” Albanese stressed.

Albanese also visited New South Wales, along with state Premier Chris Minns, where at least three houses were damaged by the fire.

Before sunrise on Tuesday, residents were evacuated from their residences, and electricity supply was discontinued for over 2,000 homes in Loch Sport, located in eastern Victoria, Canberra-based ABC News reported.

In a statement from the Victoria State Emergency Services, residents in the area were cautioned: “Please do not attempt to drive through floodwaters in these coming days. It could be the last decision you make.”