Thousands of people were evacuated and hundreds were left trapped in their homes after ‘worst-ever’ floodwaters in Australia.
On Monday morning, torrential rains in New South Wales and Queensland caused the rivers to rise and flood the surrounding regions.
According to the reports, some 15,000 residents have already been taken to safety, whereas hundreds remain trapped in their flooded homes.
Currently, at least seven people died as a result of the flooding in southeast Queensland alone.
Furthermore, it has come to light that the Wilsons River broke a record by reaching a level of 14.2 meters which is two meters higher than during the devastating flooding in 1954.
Among the regions severely affected by the flooding are those along rivers such as Brunswick River and Brisbane River including places like Lismore, Gympie, Marshalls Creek, Billinudgel Ocean Shores, South Golden Beach, New Brighton, Grafton, Ulmarra, Maclean, Brunswick Heads, and more.
Residents across Brisbane were also issued warnings, whereas suburbs like Milton and Rosalie were already evacuated.
“Once flood water begins inundating the area road access, water, sewerage, power, phones and internet may be lost. If you remain in the area you will be trapped and it may be too dangerous for SES to rescue you,” the State Emergency Service said as they urged people to leave affected areas before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, the police warned that the situation in Lismore is getting worse with more and more incoming calls for help.
“Due to heavy flooding the Lismore CBD is inundated with water and is now off limits to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic,” Richmond Police District warned.
“Motorists are reminded NOT to drive through flood waters… for the safety of YOU and your FAMILY please evacuate the township now.”
As harrowing photos showing stranded people and entire homes submerged underwater have begun circulating the internet, the NSW authorities urged residents to stay vigilant and get ready for more flooding.
“We know that whilst there might be blue skies in certain parts of NSW, that that does not mean that there will not be significant flooding events that occur over the course of this week,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
“So please, please, do not be complacent.point 215 |
Please be prepared.point 17 | If you are in an area where there has been a flood warning or in an area where there is an evacuation warning as well, please get ready, please be prepared and please follow the instructions as they are issued.point 188 | ”point 191 | 1
Our thoughts remain with the communities affected by the flooding during these challenging times.
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