Body Found During Search for Woman Swept Away by Floodwaters Near Cessnock

A body has been discovered during the search for a woman who was swept into floodwaters in the NSW Hunter region on Saturday night. The search, which has been ongoing since the woman went missing, involved multiple agencies including rescue divers and emergency services.

The woman, a 26-year-old Chinese national, was in Australia on a work visa. She was swept away by floodwaters when the car she was traveling in was driven over a causeway in Rothbury near Cessnock. The incident occurred as the women were attempting to return to Sydney, where they lived, after becoming concerned about the risk of flooding.

The body was found on Wednesday, approximately 450 meters from the causeway where the woman was last seen. Hunter Valley District Inspector Justin Cornes praised the efforts of the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) for their work during the difficult operation.

A 27-year-old driver was able to escape the water, finding safety on an embankment with her dog, where she was then rescued. The body has not yet been formally identified, but police believe it is that of the missing woman. A report will be prepared for the NSW Coroner.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The search has involved a significant number of personnel and has been conducted under challenging conditions. Inspector Cornes expressed gratitude to all those involved, highlighting the difficulty of the operation and the dedication of the teams on the ground.

The incident has raised concerns about the risks associated with driving through flooded areas, especially in regions prone to extreme weather events. Local authorities have reiterated the importance of heeding flood warnings and avoiding dangerous crossings.

A Call for Caution in Flood-Prone Areas

As the search continues and the investigation proceeds, the community is left to grapple with the tragedy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by floodwaters and the importance of preparedness and caution in flood-prone regions.

Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and to follow official advice during extreme weather events. The ongoing investigation will provide more information in the coming days, and a full report will be submitted to the coroner.