Eastern Australia has been hit with what have been called the worst floods in decades, with the “greatest concern” now on Western Sydney as 18,000 people have been forced to evacuate.
New South Wales, one of Australia’s eastern states, has seen almost 3.2 feet of water flood its land this past week as Sydney’s largest dam burst its banks.
The Warragamba Dam, situated 71 km west of Sydney, released 500 gigalitres of water – the equivalent volume to that of Sydney Harbor.
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Justin Robinson, National Flood Services Manager at the Bureau of Meteorology said: “I’ve been a flood forecaster with the bureau for 20 years and this is probably the worst flooding that I’ve experienced.”
No deaths have been reported as of yet but thousands have been forced to flee their homes, with rain forecasted to continue until Wednesday.
Animals and wildlife native to Australia have also been affected by the floods, with rescue missions scouring the submerged streets in aid of those trapped.
Cows, kangaroos, and even spiders have been found submerged in water by rescue teams across the region.
This is Australia – drought, bushfires and floods. Found this fellow after shifting cattle in #nswfloods #australia pic.twitter.com/XOvV42p5f3
— Samantha Townsend (@townsendsam) March 20, 2021
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, however, has warned that the situation is “far from over” and that more damage is expected with two new weather systems colliding.
Emergency teams have been quick in their responses with 35 communities in New South Wales currently isolated and over 700 flood rescues have already taken place.
New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said, “I don’t know any time in our state’s history where we have had these extreme weather conditions in such quick succession in the middle of a pandemic.”
With forest fires raging across the country only a year ago, Australia has been victim to severe weather over the last year – and on top of that, a pandemic too.
One bride-to-be sent a Tweet in desperation asking for help in getting to her wedding on time due to roadblocks. What would usually be a five-minute drive turned into a rescue mission by Affinity Helicopters in Port Macquarie.
Update, I made it to the church and married the love of my life! Affinity Helicopters in Port Macquarie came to the rescue and made sure we all got there. This is the bridge that blocked us from making the 5minute drive into town! What a day! #fotherbellwedding #floodwingham pic.twitter.com/u7OlsFsTjQ
— Kate Fotheringham (@KatelFog) March 22, 2021
Whilst this couple did get their happy ending, the same cannot be said for Australia’s wildlife and nature, with experts fearing the worst for the years to come.
Madeleine Raine
Featured image courtesy of Jean Beller via Unsplash. Image license is available here. This image has in no way been altered.