Woman dies in raging floodwaters as deluge continues
A woman is dead after a rescue boat flipped in fast-rising floodwaters as a once-in-a-century deluge prompts evacuation alerts.
emergency planning
Fire-ravaged state on high alert for ‘killer’ heatwave
There will be no reprieve from a summer heatwave for several days for residents of a bushfire-ravaged state as conditions fuel blazes.
Homes lost, fire crew’s lucky escape from burning ute
One of 114 fires started by dry lightning has destroyed two homes and a shed, while another blaze engulfed an emergency vehicle as wild weather lashes a state.
Tragic disaster memories flood back for sodden city
Floodwaters that have cut power, closed major roads and destroyed a major bridge are triggering bad memories for a rain-ravaged city.
Flood rescues mount as new cyclone threat looms
A rain-hit region is on cyclone watch with multiple tropical lows looming in northern Australia after heavy showers sparked flooding and water rescues.
Extreme fire risk as wind, dry lightning spark alerts
Bushfires in two states have triggered warnings as extreme weather conditions place authorities on high alert as temperatures soar and winds increase.
Body found after pastor’s car swept away by floodwaters
The grieving family of a pastor swept off a flooded causeway say they are shocked and devastated by his loss after his body was found.
Aerial fight to stop LA wildfires as death toll rises
Los Angeles firefighters are in an all-out battle to curb wildfires from spreading before fierce winds return as the death toll from the blazes rises.
LA races to contain fires before extreme winds return
The death toll from wildfires in the Los Angeles area has reached 24, while more than 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.
‘Sticky’ heatwave has firefighters on high alert
Much of southern Australia is sweltering through a three-day "sticky" heatwave with increasing fire danger risks amid blazes in popular holiday spots.
Firefighters battle fresh blazes amid total fire bans
Total fire bans are in place amid extreme danger from heatwave conditions as firefighters work to control freshly sparked bushfires.
Bushfire threat finally eases but warnings to last days
An emergency alert has been downgraded for a bushfire that has had communities on edge but the blaze is expected to keep burning for days.
Blazes force evacuations amid rising risk of Xmas fires
Firefighters are working around the clock to prepare for sweltering Boxing Day conditions as warnings for several major blazes are downgraded.
Ready to burn: travellers urged to reconsider travel
Millions of residents and travellers across the country are being warned to be on high alert as the risk of Christmas-week infernos intensifies.
Christmas inferno fears spark total fire bans
Total fire bans have been declared in two states over the Christmas break as emergency services prepare for the worst conditions since Black Summer.
Australian story: PM remembers 50 years of Tracy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reflected on how Cyclone Tracy impacted the nation on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Darwin being flattened.
Third town told to leave immediately as bushfire rages
Residents in the Grampians towns of Bornes Hill, Moyston and Pomonal have been told to leave immediately and seek shelter as a bushfire threat is imminent.
Wind change fans unpredictable fires as towns evacuated
Dozens of communities have been urged to leave or take shelter as an out-of-control bushfire was fuelled further by gusty winds on a day of extreme conditions.
Bushfire rages but cool change a chance to check damage
The threat of bushfires will linger in Victoria's already-scorched Grampians region even after hot and windy conditions move north.
Bushfire destroys homes as calmer conditions on horizon
Stable conditions and cooler weather are giving firefighters welcome relief as initial damage assessments reveal at least three homes have been lost to fire.
Crocodile count raises concerns about swimming holes
Fifty years after almost being wiped out in the Top End, the number of crocodiles is raising alarms about new places the apex predator is lurking.
‘Climate whiplash’: threat rises of cascading disasters
Australians are being put on alert: our summers are becoming more erratic, with experts forecasting a season of heavy rain and warm weather - and bushfires.
Town struck by flash flooding after sudden deluge
A regional Queensland town has been struck by flash flooding after nearly 100mm of rain came down in an hour, testing local drains.
Calls to upgrade regional connectivity as 3G shuts down
Farmers are urging telcos to ensure the safety of rural Australians is not placed at risk as Telstra and Optus begin to turn off their 3G networks.
Disaster alert: the areas at higher risk of flood, fire
Australia's emergency management teams are preparing for severe spring weather, with parts of the nation set for higher-than-average fire and flood risk.
Be prepared: north told to brace for spring bushfires
After recent above-average temperatures, the national council for fire and emergency services is predicting a risky spring fire season in northern Australia.
Funding boost to help protect Aussies from disasters
Almost $400 million will be spent on projects to better protect Australians from natural disasters including key cyclone and flood protection upgrades.
Learner drivers should learn first aid, after toll rise
Emergency groups are calling for mandated first aid training for learner drivers after new figures showing at least three Australians die on the road each day.
State flood response receives multi-millions boost
What is being billed as NSW's largest ongoing commitment to flood preparedness and infrastructure will support residents in Sydney's disaster-prone northwest.
Revamped emergency services to improve response times
Queensland emergency services will fall under new departments after state parliament passed laws to better align diaster management responses.
IGA head urges end to supermarket land grab
The chief executive of IGA's parent company has slammed Coles and Woolworths for hoarding land as a way to prevent competition in the sector.