UPDATE - ‘Quite horrific’: Death toll in Australian floods climbs to 5

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By Saadet Gokce and Islamuddin Sajid

ISTANBUL (AA) - The death toll from floods in Australia's New South Wales state rose to five on Friday, as another man was confirmed dead after being reported missing on Wednesday, local media reported.

The weather system causing the flooding is moving to the state's south, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the situation as "quite horrific" to the ABC Newcastle and urged people to stay away from the floodwaters, reported the media outlet.

"Again, a reminder that if it's flooded, forget it, and for people to not take risks during what is a very dangerous period," said Albanese.

Meanwhile, State Emergency Service Commissioner Mike Wassing said that 177 flood rescues were conducted in the past 24 hours, which are expected to continue.

Several rescue operations were carried out on the state's Central Coast on Friday after rain poured in heavily overnight.

"We have active flood rescues still coming into the system," Wassing said, adding that the tempo has dropped off, but the rainfall is still coming back through the river systems.

It is expected that the floodwaters will continue to remain at a high level for some time.

"Where locals would normally be used to floodwaters receding very quickly, in some cases, that is not the case," said Wassing.

On Thursday, local authorities announced that 2,500 emergency workers, trucks and boats, and 10 helicopters have been dispatched to deal with the "incredibly volatile" situation.