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After several days of heavy rain, rivers and dams spilled from the shores around the state capital, Sydney, and southeast Queensland.
Authorities say the “50-year phenomenon” could continue throughout the week and urged people to exercise caution.
New South Wales Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian says no reports of casualties have been received as of Monday night local time. It is, according to the prime minister, “a miracle, given what we had to go through.”
However, the rains and floods have caused serious damage to the affected areas, where approximately one third of the country’s population lives. According to the Australian Meteorological Office, in some areas rainfall of up to 900mm has fallen in a matter of hours. Flooded rivers cut roads and bridges. The rescue services carried out at least 750 rescue operations.
According to Berejiklian, most of the communities affected by the floods suffered from forest fires and droughts last summer.
