Heavy rain is continuing across Sydney with Warragamba Dam nearing capacity
(Picture: Water NSW)Hundreds of residents in Sydney have been forced to flee their homes as fast-rising floods engulf the area.
Footage published on social media shows water flooding roads and trees and homes collapsing.
Those living in low-lying areas in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, in New South Wales, have been told to protect their homes by sandbagging doorways and clearing drains, reported AP Australia.
Some shots from our travels around the Central Coast this morning.
— Skaie Hull (@SkaieHull) March 21, 2021
Please stay safe Coasties - and remember if it’s flooded forget it. #LongJetty #ChittawayPoint #Somersby #NorthEntrance @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/Z9IPMdxSPn
But meteorologists said the deluge is set to continue for the rest of Sunday, with rain in some areas expected to fetch up to 7.9 inches.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Justin Robinson also warned that floodwaters at Penrith are expected to move downstream and impact communities in North Richmond, Windsor, Sackville.
A total of 13 areas in the NSW province have flood risk and evacuation warnings.
Raymond Terrace on the Hunter River this morning.
— Kate Washington MP (@KateRWashington) March 20, 2021
📸 Lisa Polson @newcastleherald @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/UCBQdC5vUF
State Emergency Service deputy commissioner, Daniel Austin, told ABC TV that emergency crews had made 750 call-outs overnight on Saturday, and had responded to more than 4,500 calls for help since Thursday.
“While a couple of areas have seen some receding flood waters overnight and into this morning, that heavy rainfall returning to those locations today will likely lead to additional peaks on those river systems,” he told the broadcaster.
He added that they expected to be working beyond Easter on the post-flood clean up effort and restoration of key services.
