Flood-Rescued Cow Washes Ashore Alive and Mooing on Beach After Floodwaters Sweep It Away

Amid the widespread devastation caused by intense flooding in eastern Australia, a remarkable story of survival has captured public attention. A cow, swept away by surging waters in Taree, New South Wales, was discovered alive on Old Bar Beach—approximately 11 miles from its home. The animal’s improbable journey through flooded terrain offered a rare glimmer of hope to a community reeling from disaster.

Layla Philipson, a local resident, spotted the exhausted bovine resting in the sand between Wallabi and Meridian. Sharing photos and a brief message on the Taree Community Noticeboard on Facebook, she quickly set in motion the search for the cow’s owner. Thanks to her post, the animal was ultimately reunited with its grateful farmer.

“Alive cow Oldbar beach between Wallabi and meridian,” she wrote, alongside the pictures that soon drew widespread attention on social media.

This incident unfolded as New South Wales contends with some of the worst flooding in decades. A slow-moving low-pressure system has delivered torrential rain across the state, setting rainfall records in multiple areas. For example, some regions have received over 27 inches of rain in just a few days.

• Five deaths have been confirmed as a direct result of the deluge.
• Approximately 50,000 residents remain isolated due to impassable roads and floodwaters.
• An estimated 10,000 properties have sustained significant damage.

The Manning River, which flows through the heart of Taree, surged to heights not witnessed in nearly a century. The overflowing riverbanks have uprooted families, destroyed homes, and led to the displacement of countless livestock, including the now-famous cow.

Emergency services report that they have undertaken more than 700 rescue operations in recent days, braving dangerous conditions to reach stranded residents and animals. Relief efforts continue, with volunteers and authorities working around the clock to deliver aid and supplies to hard-hit communities.

While the survival of a single cow amidst such widespread destruction provides a momentary reprieve and a reason for cautious optimism, officials warn that the crisis is far from over. With flood levels still dangerously high and more rainfall possible, authorities are urging all residents in affected regions to remain alert and heed evacuation orders where necessary.

As cleanup and recovery begin, the resilience demonstrated by both people and animals serves as a testament to the endurance of communities throughout New South Wales. However, the path to normalcy is expected to be long and challenging as weather threats linger on the horizon.