Thousands of people across Australia’s south-east were told to evacuate their homes on Friday, after two days of heavy downpours, triggering flash flooding.
At least 500 homes have been flooded, one person has died and another is missing as the latest flood disaster unfolds.
Victoria – Australia’s second most populous state – has been worst hit this week. Several communities have been ordered to evacuate, including some in the state capital Melbourne.
Floods have swamped roads, forced school closures and cut power to 3,000 houses and businesses.
Many areas received massive 24-hour rainfall totals, but the highest was in Strathbogie, north-east of Melbourne. It received 220mm – more than double the town’s average October rainfall, or about a third of London’s annual average.
The head of the Victoria State Emergency Service, Tim Wiebusch said:
“Our river systems… are reaching major flood levels at various times over today, through the weekend and through next week.”
Numerous rivers have also flooded in Tasmania after up to 400mm of rain fell in some areas in 24 hours. It is unclear how many homes and businesses have been affected there.
The Goulburn River at Seymour, about 62 miles north of Melbourne, has peaked above the record of 7.64 metres reached in May 1974, data showed. More than 200 flood rescues were conducted by emergency crews.
In New South Wales, about 600 people were told to evacuate from the town of Forbes, where about 250 properties and business were expected to flood.
More rain is forecast in the coming weeks, placing strain on already swollen rivers and saturated ground.
Anthony Albanese, Australia’s prime minister, said the federal government also stood ready to provide assistance to the flood affected states.
