International Desk: People in parts of Sydney’s northwest were ordered to flee their houses for its worst flooding in decades Sunday after record rainfall caused its largest dam to overflow. As heavy rains continued to batter Australia’s east coast, triggering floods authorities issued flooding risk and evacuation warnings.

Sydney authorities issued the directive on Sunday (March 21). Heavy rains continued on the east coast of the country from midnight on Saturday, March 20. At the same time, with the fast flowing water, extensive destruction is going on all over the region.

About 12 areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia's most populous state, have been flooded. The river is full and there is a risk of severe floods. So 8 million people in the regions have been warned.

Jonathan Howe, a senior meteorologist with the country's Bureau of Meteorology, told ABC News that it was not just rain, but also a catastrophic event. It is also accompanied by a strong wind.

He said heavy rains would continue in Sydney on Sunday. There is also a risk of rain in the rest of Sydney. In all, some areas may receive up to 200 millimeters (seven point nine inches) of rain.

The country's emergency services say they received about 700 phone calls overnight. There was an appeal for help.

Besides, after the warning was issued, the locals have started going to the shelter in groups.

Television footage showed a house floating in a river in the town of Tare in the state of New South Wales. About 150 people took shelter at night in the local auditorium. It was also used as a shelter during wildfires. Paul Allen, chief executive of the approved shelter club Tar, called the flood a disaster. He told broadcaster ABC that some local residents had lost everything in the floods.

The Oregamba Dam provides drinking water in most areas of Sydney. It also flooded on Saturday afternoon. This is the first such incident at a potable water reservoir since 1990. Coronavirus vaccination has been suspended due to rains and flooding in and around Sydney.

Rainfall is forecast to decrease in coastal areas this week. However, rainfall is forecast to decrease in the coastal areas this week.

Sun News