Sydney (GNB): Some 10 million Australians remain under a weather warning on Monday night across swathes of New South Wales, leading to dozens of communities being declared disaster zones and forcing more than 18,000 people to evacuate from their homes.
Days of torrential downpours have caused rivers and dams to overflow around Sydney – the state capital – and in south-east Queensland.
The military is being deployed to help with search and rescue, in what has been called a “one-in-50-years event”.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has forecast “increased rainfall, strong winds, damaging surf and abnormally high tides” in New South Wales on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has shared a map showing the rain still pummelling parts of NSW.
“It may have been going for days but unfortunately this situation is far from over,” the BOM says.
“This map shows #Flood Watch & #Warning zones with rain radars overlaid. You can see rain still falling in flood areas, with more forecast for coming days.”
The Australian Defence Force has joined the rescue and relief effort in NSW, sending two search and rescue helicopters to flooded areas.
“The search and rescue choppers will be able to work through night and day and supporting personnel will be made available to make this happen,” David Littleproud, the Minister for Emergency Management, said in a statement tonight.
“Both will have the capability to winch and recover in the dangerous flood areas.
“They will operate out of Nowra and Bega on the New South Wales south coast.”
Starting tomorrow, an Air Element Commander will work within the SES State Control
Centre in Wollongong to coordinate with efforts already underway, Mr Littleproud said.
“The State Emergency Services have been working around the clock saving lives and protecting property.”
“With the rain still coming and people isolated the flooding is far from over.
“The addition of the ADF will add a critical capability and expertise to the State Emergency Services’ gallant efforts.”
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