Environmental News from the Asia Pacific: Floods hit Southeast Australia forcing evacuations
Thousands of people in southwest Sydney were told to leave their homes as torrential rain and powerful winds leading to floods wreaked havoc on Australia’s largest city. Authorities have warned that the ongoing floods could be even worse than those that devastated the region last year, leaving communities on edge.
The relentless rainfall has caused rivers to overflow and dams to reach capacity, creating life-threatening conditions. The risk of flash floods and landslides looms large along the east coast, stretching from Newcastle to Batemans Bay in New South Wales. Experts predict that the rain will intensify, making Sunday night particularly dangerous for many areas already at risk.
New South Wales Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke urged residents to remain vigilant and act quickly. “If you were safe in 2021, do not assume you will be safe tonight,” she said in a televised briefing. “This is a rapidly changing situation, and areas that have never experienced flooding before could be impacted.”
Adding to the concern is the timing of the severe weather, which coincides with the start of school holidays. Many families had planned to travel, but Minister Cooke strongly advised reconsidering any plans in light of the worsening conditions.
Emergency teams have been working around the clock to support affected communities, with evacuation orders in place to move residents to safety. Despite these efforts, the scale of the floods has been overwhelming, leaving many people anxious about the days ahead.
The floods are a stark reminder of how vulnerable parts of the region are to extreme weather. With climate change contributing to more frequent and intense weather events, there’s a growing urgency to address the long-term challenges of managing floods and protecting communities.
For now, the focus remains on keeping residents safe and minimizing the damage caused by this unprecedented flooding event. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging everyone in at-risk areas to stay alert and prioritize their safety.
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Source: Reuters