A severe storm has triggered dangerous flash flooding across Australia’s Victoria state, forcing the closure of the world-famous Great Ocean Road and sweeping vehicles into the sea. Emergency services issued urgent flood warnings for multiple coastal towns as intense rainfall inundated caravan parks, trapped motorists, and knocked out power to thousands of homes. Aerial footage showed floodwaters surging through low-lying areas while rescue crews rushed to assist stranded residents and tourists.  

New Year 2026 was welcomed by Sydney with a spectacular fireworks display held under heightened security, following a deadly attack that shocked the city weeks earlier. Countdown organisers paused celebrations for a moment of silence to honour the victims, with the Harbour Bridge lit in white and symbols of unity projected across the skyline.