Worst Flood in Decades Rips Apart East Coast of Australia

Drone captures the destruction along the coastline of Collaroy, NSW. WATCH VIDEO

Half of the Australian coastline is a scene of utter devastation after a mammoth storm cell hit the eastern seaboard this week, causing monumental flooding whilst destroying thousands of homes.

According to the ABC, wild weather thrashed parts of Queensland and New South Wales over the weekend leaving homes and businesses with damage into the hundreds of thousands. The low pressure system the moved as far south as Tasmania, delivering heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging winds.

Torrential floodwaters are sweeping away flood victims from their cars in the streets as they scramble for safety and run for their lives.

Two people have been tragically killed after their bodies were washed away from their cars in NSW, and a third man’s body has been recovered from a swollen a river in the ACT.

There are also grave fears for two elderly people missing in Tasmania amid the flooding. The northern end of that state around Latrobe and the Derwent Valley has seen the worst flood damage in decades. Conditions are said to be more dangerous than the most destructive flood on record in 1929.

Thousands of flood victims are still fearfully bracing for more catastrophic damage, with flood warnings still in place in several areas along the east coast.

Hundreds of people have been left without homes, food, power and shelter on freezing winter nights as they battle disastrous weather conditions.

People have not only lost their homes, but they are now facing the serious possibility of illness from the cold and threat of waterborne contamination.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Kyle Stewart says that they they are devastated that lives have still been lost despite the constant warnings from emergency services about venturing into floodwaters.

“Our message is clear — do not put your life and that of emergency services personnel in danger,” Stewart told news.com.au.

The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that the Gold Coast has fallen victim to the heaviest rainfalls, which received 280mm of rainfall since Saturday morning.

One family on the Gold Coast survived the night of torrential rains, but are now coming to terms with the aftermath.

Fundraising for Gold Coast Mother and Daughter

Lauren and her mother from Runaway Bay fought all night on Saturday to save their house and all their lives’ belongings as floodwaters pushed their way into their family home.

Flooding is not uncommon on the coast of Queensland, but the metre high waters have made this the worst flooding experience yet for the mother and daughter.

Lauren’s best friend Donna started the page after hearing about the women’s horrific news on Sunday.

“The costs will be through the roof and insurance may not cover everything due to flooding being a regular occurrence in the area,” she says on the fundraising page.

Help Zac Get Back on His Feet

The town of Picton in Sydney’s south west has been rocked by the disaster, with the Stonequarry Creek breaking its banks, unleashing devastating floodwaters onto the main street and the town.

Businesses have been left with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage after what is being called their worst flooding in 30 years.

Zac and his family had only recently moved into Picton from another local town after having lost their house less than 10 years ago in a devastating bushfire.

The rains devoured 70% of their house and despite all their efforts to hold on to their most prized memories, everything they owned was swept away by the powerful floodwaters.

With the entire town busy salvaging what’s left of their possessions, Zac’s friend William has turned to crowdfunding to help the family in this crisis.

“[It makes me shiver] to think what has happened to someone who is in such a tight situation...No amount is too small for something that has something next to nothing,” said William.

You can help the flood victims

Donate to the charities helping relief efforts or create a fundraising page to raise money for charity or a friend in need.

Note: Facts and images above provided by the ABC and news.com.au.