Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Large swathes of northern and central South Australia are currently under a flood watch, prompting authorities to urge residents to exercise caution. The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning yesterday, covering a significant portion of the state and raising concerns about potential disruptions to travel and daily life. This comes as rainfall continues to impact the region, swelling waterways and increasing the risk of localized flooding.

The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) is closely monitoring the situation, providing updates and resources to affected communities. The flood watch encompasses parts of north-eastern and central South Australia, with the SES emphasizing the importance of preparedness. Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed about changing conditions and heed any warnings issued by authorities.

The SES is urging people to never drive, ride, or walk through floodwater, as even shallow moving water can be dangerous and conceal hidden hazards like potholes and road damage. Keeping children away from floodwater, creeks, and storm drains is also crucial, as the depth and speed of the water can be deceptive.

Stormwater drains, which are managed by local councils and not SA Water, are also a point of concern during heavy rainfall. SA Water explains that stormwater is rainwater runoff from roads, driveways, and rooftops, directed away to prevent localized flooding. Residents experiencing issues with overflowing stormwater drains should contact their local council directly.

Current Flood Watch Areas

As of today, February 23, 2026, the Bureau of Meteorology’s flood watch covers a substantial area of South Australia. The SA State Emergency Service Facebook page provides a visual representation of the affected regions, showing much of the north of the state under the watch. Specific locations within this area are subject to change as rainfall patterns evolve.

Staying Informed and Prepared

The SES provides a real-time incidents and warnings map that is updated every few minutes. This map displays current warnings, incidents, and sandbag locations, if available. Residents are encouraged to refresh the tables to view the latest updates. For detailed information on what to do during a flood, storm, heatwave, or to find sandbag locations, visit the SES website.

South Australia Police also recommend downloading the Alert SA App, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This app delivers timely emergency information, including alerts and warnings from CFS, MFS, and SES regarding fire, storm, and hazmat situations, as well as Fire Danger Ratings.

Regional Stakes and Context

Flooding in South Australia, particularly in the northern and central regions, can significantly impact agricultural activities, transportation networks, and remote communities. The state’s vast distances and relatively sparse population mean that even localized flooding can have disproportionate consequences for those affected. The current flood watch underscores the importance of proactive preparedness and effective emergency response coordination.

Looking ahead, continued monitoring of rainfall and river levels will be crucial. The SES and Bureau of Meteorology will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and follow the advice of emergency services.

Have your say: What are your experiences with flood preparedness in South Australia? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The war in Ukraine, entering its fifth year, is increasingly impacting Russian territory, extending beyond border regions and prompting authorities to bolster civilian defenses. Even as the 250km distance from the Ukrainian border might suggest a degree of separation, recent events demonstrate a growing sense of vulnerability within Russia, particularly in regions like Lipetsk.

Recent weeks have seen a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks targeting infrastructure within Russia, signaling a shift in Kyiv’s strategy. These attacks aren’t limited to military installations; they are increasingly focused on industrial facilities with ties to the Russian war effort. This escalation raises concerns about potential retaliatory measures and a further widening of the conflict’s geographic scope.

Drone Strikes Target Russian Industrial Hubs

On February 23, 2026, reports emerged of a significant drone attack on a major battery plant in Lipetsk, resulting in a large fire. Kyiv Post reported the incident, highlighting the strategic importance of the facility. Simultaneously, a missile parts factory in the same region, located in Yelets, was reportedly struck, causing substantial damage. The Kyiv Independent confirmed the attack on the missile parts factory, adding to the growing evidence of Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory.

Further corroborating these reports, Odessa Journal reported that Ukraine specifically targeted a drone factory in Yelets, within the Lipetsk region. Українська правда also confirmed a drone strike on Russia’s Energia plant in Yelets.

Civilian Preparedness and Regional Response

The increased threat has prompted local authorities in the Lipetsk region to prepare for potential further attacks. Reports indicate the installation of emergency shelters in public spaces, including bus stops and parks. This proactive measure reflects a growing awareness of the war’s proximity and a desire to protect the civilian population. The New Voice of Ukraine detailed the strikes on a missile battery plant in Lipetsk, further illustrating the breadth of the attacks.

Geopolitical Context and Future Implications

These attacks represent a significant escalation in Ukraine’s response to the ongoing conflict, demonstrating its capacity to project force deeper into Russian territory. The targeting of industrial facilities, particularly those involved in the production of military components, suggests a strategy aimed at disrupting Russia’s war effort. This shift in tactics also carries the risk of further escalation, potentially drawing NATO more directly into the conflict, whereas current policy remains focused on providing aid to Ukraine without direct military intervention.

The strikes also highlight the vulnerability of Russia’s internal infrastructure and the challenges it faces in defending against drone attacks. The installation of emergency shelters in Lipetsk and other regions indicates a growing sense of unease among the Russian population and a recognition that the war is no longer confined to the battlefields of Ukraine. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the potential for further instability in the region.

Looking ahead, it is likely that Ukraine will continue to target Russian infrastructure in an effort to weaken Russia’s military capabilities and disrupt its logistical networks. The extent to which Russia will retaliate and the potential consequences of such retaliation, remain uncertain. Continued monitoring of the situation and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict will be crucial in the coming weeks and months.

What are your thoughts on the evolving dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine? Share your perspectives in the comments below.