Missing aged care worker believed to be found dead in Lismore floodwaters

After being reported as missing earlier this week, the body of 55-year-old aged care nurse Alina Brakel is believed to have been found in Lismore floodwaters. (Images: 9News)

After Lismore was devastated again my floodwaters this week – less than a month after the first natural disaster occurred in northern NSW where locals are still recovering – police have confirmed the body of a woman, believed to be a missing aged care nurse, has tragically been found.

Alina Brakel, 55, was reported as trapped in the dangerous floodwaters after emergency services received a call around 10pm on Tuesday night, stating the aged care worker was trapped in the floods at Monaltrie, roughly 5km from Lismore.

Sadly, local authorities confirmed that they had found the body of a woman in North Lismore around 7pm on Thursday evening, after receiving a tip from a member of the public, according to a 9News report.

The police shared in a statement, “The body is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be that of the missing woman.”

It continued, "An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death is underway and a report will be prepared for the information of the coroner."

Ms Brakel was reported to be driving a white 2017 Holden Captiva at the time she became trapped in floodwaters on Tuesday night. Local police officers have since found a vehicle submerged in floodwaters at North Lismore, which is believed to be the missing woman’s car, according to ABC News.

The aged care worker, who originally lived in Nowra, had been recruited to work in Lismore, said NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar earlier this week.

In recovery mode after being lashed with flooding mid-March, residents from Lismore to the Lower Macleay region in northern NSW are currently under evacuation orders, The Guardian has reported.

In the past 24 hours alone, the State Emergency Services (SES) has received more than 650 calls for help, and performed over 20 rescues, with already saturated areas in danger of flash flooding, the SES warned.

Meanwhile, in an effort to help those affected, the Rapid Relief Team charity has been aiding farmers by donating tonnes of hay to assist them with feeding stock, after suffering two shocking floods in a matter of weeks.

The charity’s director, Lester Sharples, said, “Very, very devastating to come through Lismore and see what they’ve been through. To see it again a second time, it’s gut-wrenching really.”