6 Killed as Giant Waves Batter Australia

nytimes.comPublished: 4/20/2025

Summary

Six people lost their lives as monstrous waves pounded Australia’s east coast over Easter weekend, with towering surf reaching heights of 24 feet near Brisbane and claiming at least five in New South Wales alone. A powerful low-pressure system triggered the hazardous conditions, prompting warnings across a wide coastal area that included Sydney, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast. Authorities cautioned against risky activities like rock fishing and swimming, as two individuals remain missing following the tragic events.