Sat May 24 14:30:57 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Headline: Australia Begins Flood Cleanup After Deadly Deluge, Hundreds Remain Evacuated**

**Sydney, Australia** – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a massive cleanup operation across eastern Australia following record-breaking floods that have claimed five lives and impacted tens of thousands of residents. The devastating floods, which followed days of relentless rain, have left a trail of destruction, isolating communities, sweeping away livestock, and damaging or destroying homes across coastal New South Wales.

“We’re continuing to work closely across federal, state and local governments to make sure Australians get the support they need now and through recovery,” Prime Minister Albanese stated on X.

At least 10,000 properties are believed to be damaged, according to the state’s emergency services agency. Despite conditions easing since Friday, hundreds of residents remain in evacuation centres, and emergency services conducted 52 rescues overnight, according to State Emergency Services Commissioner Mike Wassing. The death toll tragically rose after the discovery of an 80-year-old man at a flooded property near Taree, one of the hardest-hit towns.

“It’s awful to hear the news of more loss of life,” said Albanese, who was forced to cancel a visit to Taree due to the floodwaters.

At the height of the crisis, approximately 50,000 people were isolated by the rising waters, with roads submerged throughout the state. Coastal areas are now littered with debris and dead animals. Transportation has also been severely affected, with train services disrupted and Sydney Airport forced to temporarily shut down runways.

The recent floods are the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have plagued Australia in recent years, following severe droughts and bushfires. Experts attribute these intensifying events to the impacts of climate change. Frequent flooding has caused widespread devastation in the country since early 2021. Damage assessments are currently underway to determine the full extent of the destruction and the resources needed for recovery.

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