Local governments say the record-breaking rain that has now declared a natural disaster is declared a natural disaster, caused by a slow moving area of low pressure, which is greater than living memory for some residents.
Heavy rains have affected Sydney and Newcastle, moving southward in impacts Sydney and Newcastle, and the weather department has issued warnings to the southern part of the state, according to the BBC.
“Tradically, we see more extreme weather events,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said during his visit to the Flood Hit region, adding that “it’s happening more frequently and more intense.”
“Our idea is about blocked communities… we are basically here to say – very clearly and explicitly – you’re not alone.”
Albanese thanked the emergency services for responding to hundreds of rescue calls, saying, “What’s worse, we’re looking at Australia’s best characters.”
NSW Emergency Services (SES) said it has responded to more than 535 flood rescues in 24 hours (19:00 GMT) since the flood began.
There are more than 150 flood warnings with emergency levels of 40 people, and authorities have reissued previous advice for people to avoid driving or entering the flood.
MA/PR