Tens of thousands of Sydney residents have been ordered to evacuate after unrelenting rains caused flooding in low-lying suburbs for the fourth time in 18 months.
More than 20cm (8ins) of rain has fallen in many areas, with some areas reaching 35cm (14ins) since Saturday.
An intense low-pressure system was forecast to bring more heavy rain to Australia’s east coast on Monday, and the Bureau of Meteorology forecast an additional 10 centimeters (4ins).
“The latest information we have is that it is highly likely that the flooding will be worse than any of the other three floods those areas have had in the last 18 months,” said the Secretary of Emergency Management. Murray Watt told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Weather can cause flash floods and landslides, with watersheds nearing their capacity after La Nina
The phenomenon, usually associated with increased rainfall, has hit Australia’s east coast over the past two years.
This naturally occurring phenomenon is associated with fluctuations in ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, along with changes in the atmosphere, according to the World Meteorological Organization. World statue.
Flooding in Camden, a historic town and suburb of Sydney. Photo: AP
As of Sunday, around 30,000 residents in the state of New South Wales have been told to evacuate or warned they may receive an evacuation order.
Frustrated residents tell of their “distrust” in several suburbs west of Australia’s largest city after floods engulfed homes, farms and bridges.
“It was just devastating. We couldn’t believe it,” Camden Mayor Theresa Fedeli said.
“Most of them just got out of the last flood, got their homes back, their businesses back where they were and, unfortunately, we’re saying it’s happening again.”
Two ponies have been rescued from a flooded area in Milperra. Photo: NSW Emergency Services brochure
Flooding in Camden, a historic town and suburb of Sydney. Photo: AP
Some areas could approach or exceed flood levels seen in March 2021, and into March and April this year, the weather bureau warned.
The risk of major flooding remains although the severe weather system could weaken late Monday, it said.
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said in a televised news conference it has been a very difficult time for the past several months.
Paul O’Neill, a resident from the flooded Wisemans Ferry Terminal, said he was delivering food by boat to his stranded family after rising water cut off access.
“The road that collapsed and has not been repaired since the last flood, has not been touched. So now they close our roads.
and then the ferry, the only way home now is by boat,” Mr O’Neill told Reuters news agency.
The Climate Council said climate change was believed to be a contributing factor to frequent extreme weather events, and said Australia was “well prepared”.
