Widespread flooding in New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday (7/4), Australia, caused hundreds of people to be rescued. Heavy rainfall at the beginning of this weekend caused flooding that submerged 300 houses.
The flooding has caused widespread damage across the state in a very short period of time, said Federal Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King. “The New South Wales Government continues to assess the damage and understand the impact of this disaster,” King added.
Emergency crews have carried out around 200 flood rescues since Friday, said Minister of State for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, as several areas were cut off by damaged or flooded roads.
Some 5,000 volunteers had been working through the night to help those affected, he added. State emergency commissioner Carlene York said 60 public warnings remained in effect in flood-affected areas.
Disaster aid has been distributed by officials in many areas to help cover clean-up costs and pay for emergency accommodation. This is the seventh flood in the area in the last 18 months.
Researchers have repeatedly warned that climate change increases the risk of natural disasters such as floods, forest fires and hurricanes. (AFP/Z-2)
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