Fast in movement floodwaters rose in parts of eastern Australia on Wednesday, which left residents perched on roofs and homes filled as constant rain continued to pummel the area. Authorities reported more rain to come which in turn made the crisis worse.
In some parts of New South Wales there has been over four months’ worth of rain within a 48 hour period. Homes, roads, and businesses have gone under by the muddied floodwaters which turned towns into islands.
We report that in which we see very heavy and hard rain which isn’t going anywhere. In part this is because the ground is at saturation point and the rivers are full said Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib.
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Taree Among Worst-Hit Areas
The town of Taree, which is some 300 km (180 miles) north of Sydney, has become a major issue for emergency teams. For four days now Taree has seen 415 mm (16.34 in) of rain which is more than four times the normal May rainfall.
Water in the Taree area of the river rose to what was a 1929 record which was broken this week to a height of 6.3 meters (20.6 feet) on Wednesday report officials. Also we saw a quick rise in the water which forced many residents to go to the upper levels of their homes and wait for rescue.
Taree resident Holly Pillotto which found herself stuck upstairs reported via a live interview with Channel Nine. “Also our neighbors on the back verandah are trapped here” she said. “This is a very dangerous place to be.
Rescue Operation Underway
Emergency services at great strain as they respond to the crisis. “We had to rescue many from rooftops and upper floors of houses” reported State Emergency Service Chief Superintendent Dallas Byrnes.
However, weather is breaking down rescue efforts. “We are in very poor conditions which may in fact see air assets grounded all day, Byrnes reported.
We are fully focused on reaching those stranded.
Thousands Remain Isolated
Authorities reported that which is a 16,000 person 7,400 home figure which will be without services into at least Thursday. Also we are to see more heavy rain in the coming 48 hours, some areas may see an additional 200 millimeters (7.87 inches) before we see an improvement.
Scientists report that they are seeing an increase in the number as well as the force of extreme weather events due to climate change. As the world warms we are also seeing more heat waves, storms, and at present very serious flooding in Australia.
