Thousands near the city of Sydney in Australia evacuated their homes over the weekend after heavy rains created floods in the area.
Some 50,000 people have been displaced because of the heavy rainfall.
“Well, it happened in 1986 and ’88, then it didn’t happen for 28 years and, so, 2016 and 2020, and now it’s happened four times this year,” a Lansvale local called Terry told Australian Broadcasting Corp. television of his home flooding.
According to NPR, the Warragamba Dam in western Sydney began overflowing over the weekend, and a severe weather warning for flash floods, heavy rain and high winds was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
“If you are feeling uncomfortable or unsure about your circumstances, and there is an opportunity for you to leave earlier, don’t necessarily wait for an evacuation order,” she said. “If you were safe in 2021, do not assume you will be safe tonight. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we could see areas impacted that we haven’t seen before.”
Emergency services conducted more than 100 flood rescues and responded to more than 3,000 requests for assistance during the emergency. Evacuation centers were also opened near western Sydney.
Jane Golding, the weather bureau’s hazards preparation and response manager, said the amount of rainfall was about half the amount of rain Sydney receives annually.
More evacuation orders and warnings have continued.
“This event is far from over. Please don’t be complacent, wherever you are. Please be careful when you’re driving on our roads. There is still substantial risk for flash flooding across our state,” New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Jonathan How said it could be days before floodwaters start to come down.
“The good news is that by tomorrow afternoon, it is looking to be mostly dry, but, of course, we are reminding people that these floodwaters will remain very high well after the rain has stopped,” How said.
“There was plenty of rain fall overnight, and that is actually seeing some rivers peak for a second time. So you’ve got to take many days, if not a week, to start to see these floodwaters start to recede,” How added.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Jenny Evans/Stringer
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
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