SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Thousands of Australians were able to return home on Thursday following torrential rains that subsided and receded. Authorities intensified their clean-up and revealed new support programs for those who had lost their homes.

Since late December, torrential rains have caused river banks to burst across Australia’s southeast. This has resulted in flooding of homes, farms, bridges and entire communities being cut off. So far, 21 people have died.

From the hardest-hit Northern Rivers region, Dominic Perrottet stated that “We are aware that it was a terrible time.”

Perrottet stated that many people were returning to their homes after the floods in difficult circumstances. He also revealed a A$551million ($403 million), aid package to flood-hit areas, which includes up to 16 weeks’ rental assistance.

According to authorities, more than 1,200 individuals remained in Northern Rivers Region emergency housing while around 3,000 homes were declared uninhabitable.

While rescue crews, as well as personnel from the defence force, were able to clean up and transport essential supplies in less severe conditions, anger rose within many people who had no power or access to internet and was without electricity for several days.

While being criticized for slow relief, Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia, was behind in election results in an election year. He declared floods a national emergency on Wednesday and identified disaster zones within flood-stricken areas.

The Climate Council of Australia published a report on Thursday that described recent flooding events as “one of the worst disasters” in Australian history. It also stated that the extent of damage was “wide-ranging.” According to the Insurance Council of Australia, total damage has been calculated at A$1.77 Billion ($1.30B).

While Sydney’s skies were clear after two weeks, flooding continues in North Richmond and Windsor. The water was still flowing from the overloaded dams. Emergency services warned that floodwaters may continue to rise in the coming hours.

($1 = 1.3669 Australian dollars)