Australia floods: Thousands evacuated in New South Wales

The situation is worsening in Australia as 18,000 people were compelled to evacuate the area across New South Wales (NSW) due to flooding. 

The area is receiving heavy rain as well. Rivers and dams have been overflowed due around Sydney and east Queensland.

According to the international news agency, 15,000 people have evacuated the state’s Mid-North Coast and a further 3,000 in Sydney, officials said.

Over 150 schools have been closed on Monday as rivers have cut off roads and bridges.

According to sources, The Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers – which border Sydney to the north and west – reached higher levels on Monday. Forecasters said the Hawkesbury river could peak at around 13m (42ft) later in the day.

Furthermore, Warragamba Dam, Sydney’s main water source, has also overflowed for the first time in five years. Authorities said it was discharging about 500 gigalitres a day – equivalent to the volume of Sydney Harbour.

Officials have urged the public to be cautious. They say the “one-in-a-50-year event” may continue all week.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has decided to provide funds to those who evacuated the area. He told a radio station, “It’s another testing time for our country”.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said many of the communities “being battered by the floods” had been affected by bushfires and drought the previous summer.

“I don’t know any time in state history where we have had these extreme weather conditions in such quick succession in the middle of a pandemic,” she said.

At least 500 rescues have been conducted by Emergency services.