Hundreds evacuated as floods hit Sydney

Thousands in Sydney are forced to flee as floods are likely to be caused by heavy rains in New South Wales off Australia's east coast. The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has issued evacuation orders for residents from 12 areas in the region.

According to the SES's latest bulletin, major flooding will occur along the Hastings River from Sunday afternoon, and it is expected to rain heavily in the coming days. NSW police have instructed all schools in the region to suspend all on-site learning as of Sunday.

Authorities stated they received about 600 emergency phone calls on Saturday, adding that rescue teams were dispatched, and 60 of the callers were stuck in the floodwaters and were rescued.

Several lowlands flooded, with moderate infrastructure and road damage, and road traffic was completely disrupted.

Sydney's Covid defence was disrupted as heavy rains wreaked havoc. The first phase of the Covid vaccine continues to be administered, authorities said.